Historic 4X4 Vehicle Day

 Recently Trev and I took the '53 to a Historic 4x4 Vehicle Day at Ramarama. It was organised by Tony Burgess and the Manukau 4x4 Club. 

We met up with guys from the Auckland LR Club in their assorted old landies, Graham Martin in his '49, and others from various clubs. 

The morning was entertaining with a tricky gymkhana event, Graham winning a handy trouble lamp for zero points lost. The afternoon was spent driving farm tracks finishing with a bqq. 

It was really good to see the old vehicles out doing what they were designed to do, not just 'show and shine'. We are all looking forward to going again next year. 

Cheers Trevor/Jan 

Could be back in the 50s.  This captures the essence of the day.

Evidently the 107s are now the most sought after of the really old series.

So cool you could keep a side of beef on it.

Oh, a new one.

Oops.

A well earned rest.

Heading back for BBQ.

Compulsory climb to take in views.

Always time for a chat.

Lucky something non-historical was there to help out.

Takes all sorts.

Farm trek.

Ngaroma - Before the Return

A top notch day on our first trip to Ngaroma with some interesting history, great views and many stories from our host Michael as we travelled the farms. 
The BBQ at the end of the day was a welcome wind down and refresh after a busy day. 

Thanks all.

Ngaroma: The Return

Mike invited us back to Ngaroma in April to have a further look around and try a few more tracks.

The weather was perfect and a few hardy souls camped at the wool shed (we're told no one fell through the holes in the floor) and Saturday saw another good turnout.

After a bit of a tour around the high points and some stunning views. . .

. . . Griff and Mike had a bit of a lash at a washed out culvert. . .

. . . with varying degrees of success.  Griff made it through after using about 8 litres of petrol, and Mike had a good go but couldn't quite spin the tractor tyres on his truck fast enough to get up the other side.

Eventually both needed help to get back, BUT

there was MUD!

Cracker day out on the paddocks and in the bush, with a great crew.  

Another top day.

TECT Park Trip

A few photos of the short notice TECT Park trip, Good Friday.

Norm from the BOP Club lead us around a few of the tracks in the park and down a couple that looked like they hadn't been used for some time.

Griff in the play area.

Daniel lining up one of the short hill climbs.

Mars deciding less air is more.

Allcomers waiting their turn.

Hmm, Vinny looks tired. . .

. . . time for a lie down (note the driver, calm and collected).

The oil leaking out is normal.

That'll polish out Dad.

Deepest darkest Tect Park

 

Norm leading the charge.

No teenagers were harmed in the making of this trip.

Honest.

Kirita Weekend 2012

We had our fifth trip to Kirita over the weekend, March lst to 4th 2012.

We arrived up on Thursday afternoon. Gale force winds and cold. Dave & Marilyn Clarke, Rowan & Janice Bell, Dave and Viv Gellert, Kevin Hickey,Verity Rob & Conrad,  Di and Barry O'Brien, plus three boats.

Friday morning the wind dropped and the guys decided to go fishing. Dave hugged the shore, and caught a number of Snapper. The others weren't so lucky, but enought for a feed.

We drove to Castle Rock in the afternoon, and all started to walk up, only about three went a good part of the way. Then on to the Kauri Trees. Back to camp for a BBQ to cook the fish along with three bags of mussels (purchased) and sausages, steaks etc. Terry Fiona Emily and Anthony arrived up in late afternoon, after the children had finished school.

The wind blew up in the night and lots of rain as the 'weather bomb' passed over.

We were able to go over to Whangapoua on Saturday morning. We were visiting Rob & Wendy Denize at their beautiful old Homestead. They have the old home at the far end of the bay. We went for a tour over the farm they used to own, to New Chums Beach. So picturesque. We walked down to the beach and along the sand. It was so beautiful. We looked out on the Mercury Islands, and Great Barrier was visible.  We had a shower of rain for a short time (spent under a tree) and then sunshine again. Then back to the Homestead and lunch. We headed back to Kirita in the afternoon.

Sunday was a beautiful day. The guys went fishing again, and some of us had a paddle round the bay in the kayak.

We packed up our gear, cleaned up the house and all headed home in the afternoon.

Another wonderful time in Kirita, maybe next time we will go for a few more days, it was hard to leave. 

Jenny and Lynn Morrison