Off on a Road Trip

We have been out and about this week, off on a road trip, towing the caravan behind us.  Living in such a beautiful country, as we do, we have seen some marvellous sights, had some fun, and stayed at places we had not visited before. 

Looking over Lake Taupo to the mountains

The Jukebox Diner in Hamilton was a delight, full of bright red  Formica, shiny chrome, black and white lino flooring, Betty Boop, Coco Cola, and the waitresses are suitably attired in their 50s style hair and make-up.  It’s just like stepping back in time, and travelling over to the good old USA for an episode of “Happy Days”. 

Jukebox Diner

It was rather like stepping into rock’n’roll heaven with paintings of Elvis (I’m a real fan) and his contemoraries hanging from the walls.  I was very keen to try the American Hot Dog for lunch, and Robin enjoyed his Chilli Dog.  With a Coco Cola Soda to complete our meal, we were very happy campers indeed.  Mind you, we call these beverages “Spiders” down here in New Zealand.

Lunching at the Jukebox Diner

The Diner was always busy, with a whole bunch of classic car enthusiasts, all dressed in their black club uniforms, and wonder of wonders, what’s this?  A very different type of clientele.  The Red Hat Hamilton ladies arrived, dressed in shades of purple, and sporting red hats, long red gloves, and lots of sparkling bling!  I asked if I could take their photo, and they told me they meet for lunch monthly, and for morning tea every two weeks.  Sounds like a fun group to join – and I know there is a local branch back home.

The Red Hat Ladies

And check out the wonderful places we stayed this week.  Here we are enjoying the peaceful surroundings at Lake Karapiro.  The ducks, geese and swans paddled serenely around until the air was split by the sound of high-revving speed boats.

Camping at Lake Karapiro

Then we stayed off the beaten track on the banks of the Mohaka River.  The cattle are not the least put out when the campers drive into camp, and have been known to enthusiastically rock the caravans while they are busy scratching themselves!  Luckily it didn’t happen to us!

With the cattle at Mohaka River

I’ve managed to read two books, do a little stitching, plus a few rows of knitting  - so I haven’t been entirely lazy.  We are now back at Napier for a couple of days, and I do so enjoy sitting outside in the lovely warm air, working away at my projects.  It’s not the most glamorous of photos, but you can see that I’m enjoying myself!

Stitching in the Hawkes Bay sunshine