Our ICA Rally, dubbed “Naki to Kapiti” started off in the tiny village of Urenui – usually one of those places you drive through on the way to somewhere else. Sadly, our intrepid leaders Bill and Val could not be here, so we were designated second in command. We arrived at Urenui School, ready and waiting to hand the goody bags out when the other adventurers arrived. The school grounds are very well kept indeed, with a War Memorial in the front, and a well used playground. Families pay a small fee to use the school swimming pool over the holidays, and a steady stream of kids and parents came to make the most of these facilities.
First to arrive at Urenui School
By the end of the afternoon, there was a total of 14 rigs on site. We were getting worried, as two couples had not arrived – what if they had an accident, we wondered? A phone call later all was revealed, they had got the dates wrong and thought the rally started the following day. Whew – at least they were safe and sound, if not a little embarrassed! We were having a fish and chip dinner for our first night from the local chippie, and very tasty they were too. That kept everyone quiet, as they tucked into their fish, sausage and chips and freshly buttered bread, while sitting in the warm sunshine.
Fish and chips in the sunshine
Here we all are at Urenui School
After a leisurely morning tea the next morning we packed up, and drove 30km to our next destination, New Plymouth Raceway. The gate into the grounds seemed a little tight, but as we all made it through without mishap, it was obviously wide enough. Many thanks to Mike and Jane for helping with the parking here. The two other vans joined us and received some good natured ribbing on their late arrival. Buddy came to check out our fridge vent problem, and with Robin and Scotty both standing in as apprentices, fitted a new gas exhaust vent to the fridge for us. We certainly couldn’t complain about the weather, it was HOT, and several of us were sporting sunburnt noses after our first day here.
View from the grand-stand
Helen quietly mentioned to Robin that it was Jim’s birthday, so that was worth celebrating. At Morning Tea so he got a round of Happy Birthday, then a chocolate or two from the Chocolate Fairy, me. In fact, we all nibbled on a chocolate to help Jim celebrate his birthday.
Happy Birthday Jim, have a chocolate
There was free time to enjoy exploring New Plymouth, some walked through nearby Pukekura Gardens, others drove up to the mountain, or down to the sea front, and our extra fit members got on their bikes, the hot sun wasn't gong to put them off. We drove down to see the lovely Te Rewa Rewa bridge, shaped like the ribs of a whale. Arriving there we came to a glorious photo of Mt Taranaki framed by the bridge with the words “We’re giving the bridge a face lift but don't want you to miss a pic. Take a photo of yourself with this backdrop until the real one reopens”. So we did.
Was the bridge closed, we wondered, as we walked around the path. No, it wasn’t but there were signs where work had been started on repainting the structure. Streams of bikers whizzed past, and walkers ambled over the bridge, while we waited a turn to get a picture. The mountain is there, just a bit hard to see without a snowy top.
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge
We then drove down to Lake Rotomanu, a very busy place with boats and water skiers in the water. There goes one now.
Then we drove down to the coast to check out the beaches and the mouth of the Waiwhakaiho River. Robin spent many happy years growing up here. It was great to see so many families out and about enjoying the sun, sand, and water on such a lovely day.
Waiwhakaiho River
Stopping at the local butcher down town we were amused to see the door handle going into the shop. A meat cleaver, no less! Here we purchased some sausages and black pudding. The black pudding ended up as part of our BBQed Sunday breakfast.
Meat cleaver handle and Sunday breakfast
After three glorious sunny days in New Plymouth we are moving on. Next stop, Opunake on the beach.
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