Final Days at ICA Rally

After two nights at Cambridge it was time to move on.  But not before we took a trip to the laundromat.  We arrived back to find that the others in the group had moved on, and our van was sitting there looking very lonely indeed. 

All alone

It was a short 54km trip to Putaruru Golf Club, our stop for the next two nights.  In the afternoon the group was split up between host vans, where we gathered for Happy Hour.  This gave everyone a chance to get to know some of the newer members a little better.

Staying at Putaruru Gold Club

Sadly, our expected local guest who was  coming the the celebration dinner, former member John H had passed away several days ago.  His funeral was on Thursday, and to make it easier for the motor home owner club members to attend, a mini bus had been hired from the local school. Robin offered to drive Allen down in our car to collect and return the van.

Allen, bus driver for the funeral

We decided against going to the funeral, as we didn't really know John at all.  Instead we took ourselves off to the New Zealand Timber Museum, which tells the story of logging in this area.

This place is huge, and  the exhibits were displayed in so many different buildings, and dotted around outside as well.  There is a saw mill set up, and tools of the trade from huge cross cut saws which were later replaced by chainsaws.

Saw mill and blades

Interesting old machinery

Men hard at work in the bush cutting down trees need to be fed – there was a replica cook house on display.

The cook house

This ICA get-together was our “0 and 5” all about sharing with those of our members who are celebrating big birthdays and anniversaries during the year, ending in an 0 or 5.  After our meal the names were called out.  Birthdays first, up they came to be handed a gorgeous hand made card.

Happy BIG Birthday

Next were the anniversary couples.  We were called up for our 40th, and Bill and Val came in at 55, well done!

Happy BIG Anniversary to us all

Awards were also made to long service members, and then the cake was cut and distributed.  Very tasty it was too, carrot cake with yummy icing.

Celebration cake

The rain had set in overnight, and the next morning the ground was sodden.  Everyone was packing up to leave but some of the large motor homes had a little trouble and needed help to get off the wet slushy grass.  No problem, Robin was happy to help again. With the strop in place, it was a matter of gently, gently, and the motor home was pulled off the grass and onto the shingle.

Robin to the rescue

The ICA rally had come to an end, and we all went our separate ways.  It was great to catch up with Bill and Val for the celebration dinner, they stayed at a B&B now they have sold their caravan.  The ICA group only have 2-3 rallies each year, and it was great to meet up with them all again.