MG Manawatu

Saturday 19th 5-30 am! It’s pouring down, it’s going to be a wet trip to Lake Ferry….

Met up at Longburn at 9-15, weather improved as we made our way down the island the wind increased the closer we got to Wellington. 14 cars in total with two making it a day trip. Had a short stop at the Paekakariki Lookout in gusty but fine weather. On to the Trentham Rifle Range for lunch as arranged by Bryan Bull. Thanks Bryan for getting us through the traffic and for the beer he donated which was raffled for their hospitality. Drawn by Raewyn who drew her husband’s name? We then headed over Rimutakas to Featherston , farewelled John, Gibby and Marie and handed over Leadership of the group to Sat Nav courtesy of Alec and Betty intending to travel around the Wellington side of the Lake, came to a halt? restarted and completed the run to the Hotel on the other side of the Lake. Was it equipment failure or operator fatigue?

Most stayed at the hotel, the balance at the Gateway Holiday Park. Alec and Betty had booked a Motel Unit at the Camp grounds opposite the Hotel, when they got to Longburn had multiple downgrades to a Cabin out the back, got good accomodation down the road. The Hotel had a good Restaurant and Cafe so enjoyed a hot coffee and then most walked down to the beach. The surf was really wild whipped up by very strong winds, with many courageous surfers out having a ball. Plenty of whitebait had been caught locally.

Hotel was basic, (i.e. double electric blanket, two controls one hot point? Two showers but only enough water pressure to operate one at a time) beds were comfortable and a bit of fun sharing. Great meal, great company with the sounds and progress of the Wellington test filtering through from the Public Bar. Pat and Lynette were having a ball with a bit Rock and Roll in the back of the bar until the local kids gained control of the Juke box with a bit of a Modern Beat!!? A great night.

Breakie was preceded by ‘Bear Readings by Trudie and Liz, followed by Group Photos and off to Ngawi and Cape Palliser lead by Keith and Marie. A beautiful morning with little wind, and a clear sky. Had a good look at the tractor collection at Ngawi and then on to the lighthouse at Cape Palliser. Many climbed the 252 steps up to the lighthouse and many did not. Group was joined by a Morgan which had travelled from Taihape that morning. Back down the gravel road and back through the fords to the seals for a stop and photos, no wind lots of stink! On to Martinborough for lunch and then guided by Sat Nav courtesy of Alec and Betty we travelled home. This time Sat Nav actually found a quicker way round the Masterton Bypass. Congratulations to all for a quick trip home we all managed to stay close together. (Ross & Carolyn)

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