Clear View Towing Mirrors

It took months for these to arrive from overseas, but that’s what seems to be happening these days.  The agent kept in touch, letting us know how the delivery was coming along, and finally, the large carton was delivered to our doorstep.

This project was put on hold while Robin had his knee replacement surgery, and had weeks of recovery.  Although he was keen to install them himself on the Jeep, in the end he agreed that this job might be a little beyond him, while he was recovering and a little unsteady on his feet for the time needed to perform this task.  The easy way out was to get the local garage to do the job instead.  Just as well, as the car panels had to be removed, and it all took several hours. 

The mirrors are direct replacements for the OEM mirrors, in that they use the original mounting positions and the electrical plugs are interchangeable. Therefore all the original mirror functions are maintained.

So our old mirrors were removed, and the new adjustable Clear View mirrors put in place.  Robin agrees they do a great job when towing, and he is very pleased with his purchase.

Mirrors extended for towing.

Thunder and plenty of Rain at Red Barn

What a weekend of strange weather we had at the rally, it was warm, wet and thundery.  Generally, the days were fine, but by late afternoon the clouds would roll in, thunder would rumble, and the heavy rain would fall, and fall, and fall.  Although we didn't sight any lightening, Mr Google tells us these two always come hand in hand,  and it is not possible to have thunder without lightning. Obviously it wasn't happening overhead and we didn’t notice it, but the lightening would have been flashing across the sky not too far away.

The six early bird vans were joined by four others on Friday, making a total of  ten vans for the weekend.  It was very handy having the implement shed to gather in for our morning teas and 4zees, but the resident swallows were not at all happy with our presence – I think they were busy building nests inside the shed.   The birds  were rather agitated and flew about, swooping from corner to corner.  Gemma came on her lead to join us during the day  and really enjoyed the interesting smells everywhere, until one of the swallows swooped low and buzzed her!  People were bad enough, but to bring  a cat as well, just too much!

On Friday evening we gathered again in the handy implement shed and our hosts Geoff and Colleen came to give us a talk about their life in South Africa and how they came to arrive in New Zealand, settle in Auckland then come to live in Palmerston North.  Life in South Africa could be quite dangerous and they spoke of multiple locks and alarms on their doors, and motion sensors outside around their home. Certainly a different way of life than we experience here.  Moving to Canada or England were discussed, and soon rejected, much too cold.  Australia was considered, but they didn't meet the criteria, but they did for New Zealand, so it all eventually fell into place.

Collen and Geoff

Gathered for the evening talk

Palmerston North is well known for the wind turbines on the hills and we had a good view from this property.  Love them or hate them, these turbines swish around producing “clean green” electricity.

Wind turbines on the hills

Robin, Dave, Russell and Pat, wonder if they are talking about cars?

Pat planned a little 4WD adventure on Saturday, he was told that he could drive through the farm and reach the Manawatu River.  So off we went, three 4WDs in a row, with the front car opening the gates, and the back car closing them, as you must do on a farm.  The grass was so thick and lush we remarked it was rather like driving over the African  savannah.  Instead of being attacked by lions, we were set upon by a bunch of steers who galloped up from the adjacent paddock. Just as well there was a fence between us.

Here they come

We reached the stop bank, but where was the gate we had been told about?  There it was at the other end, so off we drove again.  But once there, a few of us decided that as the gate couldn't be opened, those with sore backs and knees better not try climbing over.  Some of the more energetic ones did, climbed up and over the wooden gate without doing themselves a mishap, and got a glimpse of the river.

We made it, but the river is over the stop bank

Rally Family Dave and Deb had a couple of quizzes for us on Saturday night.  Dave had insisted his quizzes were easier that his previous ones and that we would all get every answer but……….  Never mind, it certainly gave us something to think about.  All too soon the rally came to an end, and it was time to hook up and depart for home.  Many thanks to Dave and Deb for the weekend, to Flo and Deb for the home baking, and to our hosts for giving us a big bowl of mandarins to share.

We were one of the last to leave, and drove through Palmy to the dump station.  This is in a very attractive setting surrounded by large trees.  The caravan ahead of us got caught up on a steel bollard protecting the dump area, ooops, the wife was driving and hubby was not at all pleased!  Luckily Robin did much better and we drove out unscathed.

At the dump site

Early Birds at the Rally

There was excitement  our household, after a couple  of months we were heading off for a caravan club  weekend rally.  And just because we could, we were joining the other early birds on Thursday and sneaking in an extra day.  This was the first time Robin had pulled the caravan from it’s allocated space since his knee replacement, parked it in front of our home, and attended to winding the steadies up and down as required.  He managed very well, considering that it was months since he had last done these chores, and his knee  was still feeling a bit stiff and sore.

The weather wasn’t too bad as we drove up to Palmerston North to a new to us site, the Red Barn.  And here it is, turn into this driveway to see who had arrived before us.

There were five vans here already, with us making six early birds.  The others were on the fence line, and we tucked ourselves alongside the red barn.

After a late lunch, and a rest to get our breath back, the weather decided enough was enough, let’s teach these campers a thing or two about the Manawatu weather.   Showers first, then heavy rain set in, and at the time of writing, it hasn't stopped!  We took our chairs and tables over the the large roomy implement shed for 4zees and had a great catch up together.  The friendly owners Geoff and Colleen came over to introduce themselves, and make sure we were all happy.  Colleen then offered to take a group photo for us, how kind was that.  Two of the group were absent, they were busy doing a spot of shopping.

4zees time

Four other vans are due to arrive tomorrow, Friday, which will give us a complement of 10 vans on site.  Wonder what the rally captains will have in store for us for the weekend!

Driving South, Driving North

We’ve had a busy few days lately with a bit of driving involved.  Robin decided he was up to the task of being back in the driver’s seat, and really didn't have any issues with driving, except for getting in and out of the car.  On Thursday we drove south down to Silverstream, Upper Hutt, to meet up with our SLG friends for lunch. Seven of us ate at Luanne’s Ararino Bar and Bistro – a place we had been before, although it has had a name change since our last visit.  The establishment still has the tartan carpet, I noticed.  We all enjoyed our menu choices, but goodness knows how it happened, no photos were taken of our outing.

On the way home I gave myself a talking to – no, I don't really need to take yet another photo of Kapiti Island as we drove past.  But then, I just couldn't help myself, it is my favourite island after all, and reasonably local for me to claim spiritual ownership.

Kapiti Island

We needed to call in to Paekakariki Holiday Park to make a booking for a future caravan club rally.  That done, we continued on our way home.

Booking made

Today we drove northwards to Palmerston North.  Robin had an appointment with his orthopedic surgeon to see how his knee replacement operation was coming along.  Very well, as it turned out – the surgeon was pleased with his handiwork, and Robin’s recovery.  He was cleared to drive, and also to attend the local pool for low impact water exercise.

Aorangi Orthopedic Centre

Prior to this appointment we had a celebration lunch at Speights Restaurant.  At least we hoped it was a celebration, and didn't think the surgeon would impart any bad news to us.  Speights is a New Zealand beer brand and there are several of these restaurants dotted around the country.  The décor is suitably rural inspired with a nice homely feel.  I was rather impressed with the shiny copper hood over the fireplace, attached to large pipes to circulate the heat in the winter months.

Inside the restaurant

What to choose for lunch?  I had fish of the day with bubble and squeak, so tasty, and Robin had a lamb shank, so tender the meat just fell off the bone.

Enjoying our lunch

Outside the restaurant

It was a hot sunny day, and we were pleased to return home, very happy indeed with the surgeon’s report, and with our celebration lunch.  And Robin is pleased he is driving again.

This Week……..

I’m still the designated driver in the household while Robin is recovering from his knee replacement operation and we have been going on a few small trips around town this last week.  We were pleased that our local strawberries from “Shirley’s” are now available so drove down on Saturday to get some, the first of the season.  Two large punnets, one to eat now, and the other one Robin hulled, halved, and froze.  Shirley’s now has a “real fruit ice-cream” cart, so I’m sure we will buy one of these each next time we come calling.  So far we have enjoyed strawberries for breakfast with our cereal, and strawberries for dessert with jelly and whipped cream, and there are still plenty left in the punnet.

Strawberries from Shirley’s

On the way home we called in to check out a newly opened café for a coffee.  The place was buzzing, which was good to see and the owner was very happy with the support he was getting from the locals.  We tried coffee and a cake each, and looked through the menus for later – they serve breakfasts and lunch, so I’m sure we will be back.

Robin was the BBQ king on Saturday night, and cooked a rolled stuffed lamb shoulder, it was a good size so I’m guessing it was actually a hogget.  All that tasty stuffing was trying to escape!  There's nothing like a roast on the BBQ,  it smelt and tasted delicious. 

Mmm, roast lamb for dinner

The weekly physio sessions are ongoing, and Robin’s knee is continuing to show small gains each time with flexibility.  Then on Tuesday we attended out monthly Probus meeting, it’s been a while since we were last here with all the hospital/medical appointments.  The guest speaker was Simon Manning who talked about his role in managing the Funeral Disaster Response Team for the NZ Funeral Industry.  When natural or man-made disaster strikes, sometimes there are more fatalities than local resources can manage. Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORTs) support local mortuary services on location, working to quickly and accurately identify victims and reunite victims with their loved ones in a dignified, respectful manner.

Simon Manning

Following the 1979 Erebus air disaster in Antarctica which claimed 257 lives, Simon Manning helped establish a more structured disaster response for future fatal events.  This team was called in to help in disasters such as the Cave Creek disaster, the Christchurch Earthquake, the Mosque attacks, .and the White Island Eruption.

Simon Manning was made a Companion of the Queen's Service Order in the Queen's Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours list this year for services to funeral services and disaster victim identification.  This was such an interesting talk, and I’m sure non of us were aware of this very important group and the services they provide for the country when disaster strikes.