Off to the ICA Rally

We enjoyed a golden sunset on our last night in Taupo.  By the time I had spotted this out of the window and  found my camera, the colours had diminished somewhat.  But it was still a pretty sight.

View out of the window

After breakfast the next morning we packed up and started on our trip to Cambridge.  Oh look, another bridge – this one is by the Prawn Farm heading north from Taupo.  And because of the cold temperatures, the geothermal steam is billowing up in big white clouds.

Goodbye  Taupo

A quick stop in Tokoroa at the dump station, then for fuel.  After topping up the car, Robin then replenished the diesel heater tank, we had been using it during these chilly evenings and mornings.  Surprisingly, the diesel heater tank was still about 3/4 full, so it didn't use up too much fuel at all.

We need to keep the diesel heater topped up

Horo Hora Domain was our lunch stop, it’s always so nice and pleasant here.  The lake was calm, with just a few water fowl dotted about, and one lone canoeist doing his thing.

Lunch at Horo Horo Domain

We soon pulled into the Cambridge Race Course, to find most of the International Caravan Club (ICA) group already there.  Once we were slotted into place, steadies down, we took our chairs over and joined the others in the large circle out in the wintry sunshine.  There are only two caravans amongst all the motor homes.

Here we all are

Just inside the grand stand building at the race course is a statue of Cardigan Bay.  Even I, who have zero interest in horse racing, have heard of this legend of a horse.  He won the 1962 and 1963 Auckland cups, the 1963 New Zealand Trotting Cup and the 1963 Inter Dominions. He was then taken to the United States of America and he gained superstar status, racing against the best competition. He was US Pacer of the Year in 1965 and 1968. When he retired, aged 12, with a record of 80 wins, 25 seconds and 22 thirds from 154 starts, he was given a gala farewell at New York's famous Yonkers Raceway. Back in New Zealand, Cardigan Bay lived for nearly 20 years at Sir Henry Kelliher's estate on Puketutu Island, near Auckland.

Cardigan Bay

The following morning most of us headed off to the Muscle Car Garage, and the petrol heads in the group were in seventh heaven.

This must be the right place

Inside the museum was a multitude of bright shiny cars and motorbikes.  Racing cars and street cars galore - where to start looking, there was so much on display.  The walls and ceilings were decorated with posters.

We were told about the motorbike which had it’s engine replaced with one from a helicopter!  Hard to believe, I know, but here it is.

Half bike, half helicopter

It was another world when we stepped through the pair of black doors.  No shiny stuff here, but lots of big machinery.

Working machines in this part of the building

I’d had enough of being on my feet by this stage so went back to the main hall to sit down.  But what’s this?  Not half a car as I had imagined – under the cover was a pool table.  That would certainly make a statement, wouldn't it.

There’s a pool table under here

Robin joined me on the shiny sofa by the 60s style Milk Bar, just a pity it wasn't open and serving milk shakes.  There were plenty of photos on the wall which I recognized.