Weekend trip Tauranga 16th July 2007
What a trip… Only 4 brave little cars left from Drury at 8.30am.
Several members had to cancel at the last minute due to illness or other family emergencies and they missed a great weekend.Christine, Keith, Bryan, Brenda, Michael, Jan, Diana, and I all drove down together from Auckland.
The weather was crisp and sunny and some even had the roof down brrrr. I had my heated seat working so didn’t mind looking at the white frosty fields as we drove further south.Cam came to collect his ZOG label at Drury and followed us down the motorway a little before turning back so at least his car got a brief but good run.
We headed down to Bombay, turned off to highway 2 and followed the signs to Tauranga. Along the way we were sent on a diversion due to an accident and crossed a bridge and saw a lovely waterfall that we would have otherwise missed. I did think the cars following me were very trusting as I headed off into the hills not having a clue where I was going to. We found the main road again eventually though and had seen some very nice scenery on the detour. At Waihi beach we decided to have brunch at the RSA. The views from there are very panoramic. The young lady kindly gave us a booking (even though there wasn’t anyone else there) and it wasn’t long before the place was full. The food was excellent so it wasn’t surprising to see the many other people arrive.
On the beach at Waihi we were amazed at the number of sea shells that were washed up. All shapes and sizes including hundreds of scallop shells.Heading out of Waihi we carried onto Mt Manganui, checked into our motel and met to consider the rest of the afternoon.
As there wasn’t a breathe of wind the planned blokarting was a non event so we headed south past Te Puke to Longridge Park. 8 of us were treated to a great jet boat trip for 12.5km along the Kaituna river.
It was the best jet boat ride I had taken and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. The ones seated in
the back did most of the screaming…On the way back to the car park (traveling in the open back of
an old bedford truck with seats was fun. The driver stopped and put the steps down and the sheep and goat raced on board to travel
with us. The donkey was so upset and forlorn he wasn’t allowed on that he stood and brayed quietly. He resembled “donkey” in Shrek when sad… we all felt so sad for him.. such a great actor
Some of the eels we got to stroke were up to 65 years old.Back to our motel, dry off, change clothing to meet in my room for some drinks. Judi and Clive from Tauranga came to join us. It was their first meet with club members and considering the rowdy bunch who were there it’s a wonder they weren't scared away. However, after we traveled a $5 taxi ride (in a specially ordered van), watched the rugby, had a couple of drinks, and ate well it turned out they were just like us. So then we spent another $5 on a taxi ride home.
I was lying in bed reading at 6.30am Sunday and Diana was sleeping. I heard a door open and banging noises in a bathroom. I was thinking the walls were very thin when we both realized it was our bathroom the noises were coming from. I got up to check and saw a pile of clothing in the bathroom doorway. Shortly after a naked man walked out. I told him he must have the wrong room so he went back to the bathroom again. He had been in a fight if the amount of cuts and blood was anything to go by. After ringing reception and asking them to come and remove him he came out, carrying a towel, sat on MY bed, checked all the drawers for some clothing, and said he had been there 2 weeks and it must be his place. He didn’t seem to think it odd we were both there though. Very drunk. Finally staff arrived and convinced him that they knew his room (1 level above ours) and led him away. Diana said we should have taken his photo to show you a but not much point when there wasn’t ANYTHING to show.. Mid thirties, shaved head, white, European accent, just in case anyone claims him……As you could imagine breakfast that morning was a great deal of talking and little eating.The drive home was via Pauanui to check the progress on Michael & Jan’s new house before arriving back in Auckland at 5pm. It was a great weekend and we are looking forward to the next one.Till next time……Pauline