Moving on from Island View

It’s always Murphy’s Law isn’t it.  No matter how much bad weather has been while you are away, the last day is always gorgeous.  And so it was on our last day at the ICA Rally at Island View Motor Camp.  Our group had Happy Hour in the sunshine, so nice to sit outside after all that rain.

ICA Happy Hour

And just look at that wonderful sunset later on, so pretty.

The next morning we packed up, said out farewells and started off on our slow return journey southwards.  We heard on the news that there had been a bad accident and the road we had planned on taking was closed.  So we went with Plan B and took another road which added 40km to the trip, stopping beside Lake Rotoiti for an al fresco lunch. 

Lunch stop at Lake Rotoiti

It was quite a slow trip for part of the way – stopping and starting for multiple roadworks, and following slow trucks and hire motorhomes for miles and miles.  Eventually, after traveling 230km we made it to our destination for the night, the National Equestrian Centre at Taupo.  This is a very reasonably priced place to stay, only $15 a night on power.  With clear blue skies and no wind, it will probably be rather chilly overnight, it is winter after all.

Only a couple of us here tonight

Equestrian Centre indoor arena

Gemma investigated all the fallen leaves on the ground for a while before she decided enough was enough and she wanted to go inside the caravan.  She was then peacefully sitting inside of screen door looking out when a silly little dog came to the door and barked it’s stupid head off at her.  Go home, we shouted, but he was rather persistent, so where was his owner, we wondered?  Gemma wasn't too upset with the barking but I’m so pleased she wasn’t outside on the end of her lead when the dog arrived – that might have been a completely different outcome.

Gemma on her way inside

As we are heading to Masterton to attend our Heretaunga Caravan Club Rally over the weekend, the  plan is to travel southward again tomorrow and then head over to the Wairarapa.  With any luck the weather will stay nice and calm.