ICA Rally, Christmas at Putaruru

After two glorious days at Lake Ohakuri it was time to move on to our next venue.  But not before we had a walk along the jetty for a last look at the lake.  There was good fishing to be had here, with one lucky angler catching two trout over our time here.

Jetty on Lake Ohakuri

Then it was time to travel nice and slowly down the pot holed gravel road to join SH1 and make our way north.  First stop was the Tokoroa dump station, then fill up with fresh water from a nearby tap, and rest and relax opposite the sports grounds for a leisurely lunch.  Our stop for the next two nights was at John’s farm in Putaruru, where we were guided into the adjoining paddock, with a few of the other larger motorhomes for company.

Staying in the paddock at Putaruru

The other motorhomes were parked all around the house

The temperature on Saturday was promised to be 27degrees plus, but we awoke to a misty morning looking through the trees over the valley.  This is a glorious property indeed.

A misty morning

Morning tea was held in John’s extra large garage, and then everyone decorated their tables all ready for our Christmas Lunch.  Everything looked very festive indeed.  Ladies from the local Girl Guides were doing the catering, and what a great job they did, feeding us all.

Ready for lunch

The meal was wonderful, we ate our full, the bubbly flowed, and everyone was happy indeed.  And because we had been very good boys and girls Santa put in an appearance, carrying a couple of large bags.  Wonder if there will be something for us?

Santa came calling

On opening our parcels, this is what we found inside.  Robin was under strict instructions to share is chocolate Santa with me!

Christmas gifts

Then the Christmas cake was cut and passed around.  It wasn’t as if we really needed more food, but who can say no to Christmas cake?  Everyone wandered back to rest or snooze in their vans to let the big Christmas lunch digest.  The temperature had risen to 29 degrees in the afternoon so we decided it was much more comfortable sitting outside in the shade, chatting to our neighbours.  Gemma had a great time outside too, so many interesting little bugs and beetles to stalk in the long grass.  And goodness know what she found in the garden, but she spent quite some time there.

We have had a great time at the ICA Rally, our first, and were made very welcome indeed.  Time for us to move on in the morning, although most at the rally have two more nights at another venue.  So we bid them goodbye, and no doubt will catch up at another rally in the future.