Caravan Rally at Te Horo

It seemed that Caravan Club rallies were coming thick and fast – it was only two weeks ago since our last one.  This time it was a Combined Rally where members from other clubs are invited to join us.  Held at Te Horo School, it was a lovely venue with a real country feel to it.  Although not too far from the main road, it was like being out in the country.  Plenty of big trees and abundant birdlife, and stock in the paddocks close by.  "Te Horo" in the Māori language means "the landslide".

We arrived in the late afternoon on Friday, which was to allow plenty of time for the pupils and staff to depart without our vans getting in the way.  As promised by the Met Service, the rain came down on Friday night, and kept falling all day Saturday without let up.  It was a cold, miserable day, and although there was plenty of attractions in the local area, most were happy just to stay put and socialize. With such a relentless downpour, the ground got more and more soggy and squelchy.  Wish we had packed our gumboots like some of the other campers had thought to do.

Camping in the rain

Fortunately we had use of the cozy hall to meet in.  On Saturday night tables were set up and we had a combined meal – where everyone prepared and ate their own main course.  Followed by a shared dessert, yummy.  All sorts of delights appeared from the vans, hot desserts, chocolate eclairs, lamingtons, brownies, and ice-cream.  There was plenty for everyone, and some of the blokes managed to fit in seconds.

Dessert table

Many thanks to Dianne and Barry who brought in boxes of grapefruit and lemons from their property.  Some came home with me, I love grapefruit for breakfast, and plan to make some lemon honey in the next wee while. 

Grapefruit and lemons

As often happens during weekends away, Sunday dawned warm and sunny.  So sunny in fact, that our kitten Gemma stretched right out on the window ledge, enjoying the warmth coming in the window.  She still has her plastic cone on, waiting for her wound to heal after being spayed. 

Gemma enjoying the Sunday sunshine 

It was a great weekend – and nice to meet up with fellow campers from other clubs who joined us for the weekend.  There were a few quizzes to test our brains, games of bowls and quoits in the hall for the energetic, and it is always interesting to listen to and take part in the wide ranging topics of conversation when a group gets together.  Maybe we didn't solve the problems of the world, but we always seem to have plenty to talk about!

Camping at Te Horo School