A Weekend at Woodville

Somewhere different for the weekend, we were off to the Central Region Caravan Club rally at Woodville.  Not too far away from home, about 90km each way.  We started off late Friday morning, and decided on a lunch stop at Ashhurst Domain.  This is such a pretty place, surrounded by wonderful mature trees, and we were surprised to find most of the power sites taken.  Not that it affected us, as we were only there for lunch, but we weren't expecting so many campers in the cooler weather.

Nice place to stop for lunch

The rally was held at the Woodville Racing Club grounds, a new place for us.  In fact, we weren't aware that Woodville even had a race course, as we usually travel through the middle of town on our way through.  We didn't know many people in this club, although there were a few familiar faces with several couples we had met up with over the years at different rallies.  4zees was a noisy affair, with a hall full of people all busy chattering away.  Being a Friday evening we decided to sample the local fish and chips for tea.

Woodville Race Course

Saturday was a busy day, after morning tea there was a visit to Gottfried Lindauer Studio, a replica of his original studio.  Born in Bohemia, Lindauer came to New Zealand in 1874 and was well known for his portraits of Maori people and settlers.  After travelling and painting his way around the country, he settled in Woodville in 1887 until his death in 1926.

Gottfried Lindauer Studio

Every time we drive through Woodville on the way to somewhere else, we pass by the Yummy Mummy Cheesecake shop.  Not this time though.  So many delicious flavours on offer, and as the girls told me, there was a special offer if I purchased two.  So I did, chocolate, and raspberry with white chocolate.  These small cheesecakes were enough for two, so we enjoyed them for dessert for two nights in a row.

The girls were happy to have their photo taken

It was a 4zees with a difference for us when the club songbooks came out, the guitar and piano were played and everyone joined in for a sing-along.  All those old vintage songs where everyone knows the chorus, but the verses, not so much.  There was a games evening organized in the evening, but the only game Robin was interested in was the All Blacks – Argentina match.  The rain was coming down, the wind got up, so we were happy to be tucked up warm and cozy in our van.

By Sunday morning it was even windier, and freezing cold, typical Spring weather.  After morning tea it was time to pack up, and Robin was blown about by the strong wind.  Windy weather is always a worry when towing, especially for me, being a worry-wort type of passenger in the front seat.

Hooking up in the windy conditions

Our journey home took us over the concrete bridge at Pahiatua – have to admit I've got a real admiration for interesting old bridges.  Just look at those graceful curves.

Bridge at Pahiatua

Then it was up and over the Pahiatua Track, the wind turbines were going flat out making plenty of power to put into the grid with all that wind.  I did mention to Robin a we drove past all these huge pieces of engineering that I hoped that the bases were well concreted into the ground – just in case!  The drive home was not at all comfortable as we were buffered about by the strong winds as we drove along.  No wonder I'm a worry-wort.

Wind turbines on the top of the hill

Just in case you thought the name Woodville was unique to New Zealand, check out this sign post – there are Woodville’s everywhere.