A few Days on our Own

Currently we are staying at the NZMCA Park, Ericson Road, Napier, for a few days on our own while we wait for the ICA Rally to commence.

We certainly wonder what it is with campers and watering cans lately?  There seemed to be a stream of people wandering down to the tap with a watering can to top up their water supply.  Surely it would be more sensible to hook up the caravan, drive down to the tap, and do the job properly?

Here they go topping up the water

After blobbing out in the fierce Hawkes Bay heat yesterday, we spent the cool of the evening chatting to our neighbours.  And had a recommendation to call in to the Art Deco Masonic Hotel for a coffee and to check out the historic photos on display.  That sounded good to us, so off we went this morning.

It was lovely and cool inside, with the decorating style heavily slanted to “vintage”.  Toys and old suitcases were elegantly displayed, and there were cabinets full of the sort of things that Grandmother would have in her home.  I spent some time checking out the historic photos, thanks to our neighbours for the tip to visit, not somewhere we would have thought to visit.

Masonic Hotel

After enjoying our coffee we drove on to Havelock North, a very pretty and affluent village, especially to go to the Birdwood's Sweet Shop.  Set is a cute little cottage, stepping inside is like a sweet lovers wonderland.  Filled to the brim with jars and jars of sweets – you are invited to take a bowl or two, a plastic glove, and select the sweets you were drooling after.  I chose Acid Drops and Robin was after Blackballs – we keep these in the car to perk us up on long drives.

Birdwood's Sweet Shop Cottage

And we couldn't leave without indulging in a “real fruit ice-cream”.  Coffees and ice-creams are served in the spacious sculpture park at the back of the café and gallery.  This really is a rather delightful property.

Waiting for our ice-creams

Then with the car refueled, and a couple of other items crossed off the list, we returned back to camp.  We are booked in to the local RSA (Returned Services Club) for a meal out tonight, so that should be nice.  Then tomorrow our long anticipated ICA Rally organised by Bill and Val kicks off.  Three weeks of travel, fun and friendship, lots to see and do – and we will be returning to Napier for the Art Deco weekend, this will be a first for us.