Waitangi Weekend Rally

Our caravan club enjoyed the three day Waitangi Weekend staying at Naenae College.  The Maori name means mosquito or sand-fly, which were very prevalent in this swampy area in the early days.  After draining the area, and building many homes, the mosquito population was banished, thank goodness.  This was our first time staying at the college, and we were guided into place by people clad in high vis jackets, they did a great job.  There was some discussion where to park for optimum satellite TV reception, and it all worked out very well.

Chief Parking Warden Owen helped us on site

The Rally Captains had put together a great weekend for us.  On Friday evening we were were visited by Steve from the Wellington Free Ambulance.

He told us the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, (I wasn’t aware of the difference) and showed us how to use a defibrillator  There were several mannequins for us to practice on.  Ideas have changed over the years and these days breathing for the patient is no longer taught.  It is all hands on the chest, straight arms and pumping.  The defibrillators  give instructions every step of the way, but of course expert medical help is still required.  These machines are now placed in many shops, schools, workplaces, and downloading an APP on your phone gives the whereabouts of the closest machines should you need one in  an emergency..

Practicing the technique

It was interesting just how much force is required, and Steve told us that the experts work for only two minutes, before swapping with a partner, as the effort needed to get the blood flowing again is quite considerable.  I’m sure we all gained something from this demonstration.

There was quite an adventure planned for Saturday, with a trip to Day’s Bay and back on public transport.  Originally we were to travel from Naenae to Wellington by train, but track maintenance was being carried out and the trains were replaced by buses.  Not such a disappointment, as along came a big yellow double decker bus to carry our bunch of OAPs into the big city.

Our transport to Wellington

It was a brisk walk along the waterfront, or in our case, a quick taxi ride, to save the sore knees and back from  too much stress.  There was a while to wait till the ferry departed and to get out of the cold coastal wind we took refuge in a local restaurant for a warming cup of coffee each.  Then it was “all aboard” the Cobar Cat East-West Ferry to Day’s Bay.

Cobar Cat ferry

There were so many people queuing up to get aboard, I did wonder if we would all fit in. We were given some safety advice, the bar was opened for those who wanted to indulge, and we were on our way.

The Captain,  and us enjoying ourselves on board

A big family group laden down with large packs and chilly bags full of supplies departed at Matiu/Some's Island to stay overnight.  Matiu/Some's Island is now a predator-free scientific reserve.   It may be a small island but its place in New Zealand’s history is huge. Its harbour location made it an ideal location for New Zealand’s first inner harbour lighthouse, a human quarantine station, an internment camp, military defence position, and an animal quarantine station over the years.

Leaving the ferry we walked along  Days Bay wharf, across the road to Williams Park and into the very popular Pavilion Café for lunch.  Plenty of great choices on thee menu, and it was just as well we had a large table booked for our group, as the place was packed.  Its hard to see, but there was a whole flotilla of tiny yachts out enjoying the afternoon sea breezes.

 

Tiny yachts in the distance

It took us two buses to return to Naenae, and we arrived back at the college tired but happy after our big day out.  Such a fun day, and we all traveled free courtesy of our Gold Cards.

Sunday was a free day so the pair of us made our own plans, and traveled to Upper Hutt, looking at what was still there, and what had changed since we lived there.  We stopped off at one of our favourite cafes, Fig Tree, to sample a couple of their delicious Eccles Cakes, the best we have ever had.  Sadly the business had changed hands and Eccles Cakes are no longer on the menu, so we made do with a rather large date and caramel scone instead, washed down with a coffee.  Others went visiting friends, shopping, or just lazing around.  Owen and Helen took their duck egg blue Plymouth to enjoy the day at the American Hot Rod meeting in Trentham.

Ready for a day out with other petrol heads

After our evening meal we went out for dessert to the Berry Berry Nice Café in Jackson St, Petone, formerly the old Post Office building.  What to select from this range, we wondered, as we contemplated the selection.  There was certainly plenty to choose from.

A great selection of desserts

There was plenty of seating available for our group, and most of us chose to sit in the rather trendy little half circular seating arrangements.  We all enjoyed our desserts, with coffee/tea to follow.

Dessert time with Val, Robin, Jenny and Bill

The final treat for the night was a drive up to the Lookout on the top of the Wainuiomata Hill, looking out over the Hutt Valley and Petone.  Not quite dark enough to show up all the lights, but still quite a pretty view.  WE were surprised just how crowded it was, everyone seemed to have the same idea as us. 

View from the top of the hill

We had a great 3 day rally, many thanks to the rally captains for all their hard work in putting together such a great rally weekend.