It was a separate holiday for us and the cat this Easter. We were keen to attend the 27th CCNZ National Rally at Masterton. With a no animal policy at Solway College, we couldn’t take Gemma, so dropped her off at the local cattery for her second only visit to such a place. I must admit it did worry me how she would get on, although the cattery owner assured us she would get the best of care, and would send a text to let us know how she was settling down. So we said goodbye, placed her in her unit, and went on our way. It did feel strange going away in the caravan without her.
Ready in her carry cage
With helpers guiding the vans into rows we were soon settled in. Our row was Boothill, named for the place where gunslingers and outlaws were buried in Tombstone, Arizona who "died with their boots on." The hall was decorated in a country and western theme, and the committee had done a great job.
Let the fun begin
Saturday was a busy day and 55 happy campers lined up to board the big blue double decker bus for a mystery trip at 9.00am. We had to take a packed lunch with us, and our folded camp chairs were whisked away to our lunch spot, wherever that would be, it was a mystery, after all. First stop was to the local Farmers Market, where the only purchase I made was a nice hot coffee, then on to visit a private garden featuring many sculptures. The massive gate on the property was interesting. The owner was told that the designer had his own idea of what he wanted to to make, and if the owner wasn't happy with the finished product he didn't have to buy it. It opens by turning the very heavy wheel, so a couple of us took turns trying the mechanism for a photo op.
This is a statement gate indeed
Our picnic lunch stop was at a local farm and as promised our fold up chairs were ready and waiting for us. But the highlight of the bus trip would have to be Ponataki Greek Church. This private church was the dream of George Pantelous who achieved his heart’s desire with the construction of this beautiful building.
Greek Church
The interior was beautifully painted by an 18 year old artist, Stephen Allwood, who took a year to finish his work, including the dome ceiling. Such beautiful details, and many thanks to our guide who related the history of this building. No church pews are inside, the faithful must remain standing for the 2 1/2 hour service, we were told.
Such a beautiful painted interior
The weekend was full of entertainment – in the evening after our bus trip we all met back in the hall for a Line Dancing demonstration. The dancers all looked very smart indeed in their country style outfits as they “strutted their stuff” to the music. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not all country music used, they danced to a little rock and roll, and other types of music too. After the demo, many of the campers joined the dancers for some easy tuition and did their best to keep up with the experts.
Line Dancing demonstration
On Sunday morning we were all treated to a cooked breakfast, bacon, French Toast, banana and Maple syrup, that really went down a treat. Such a lot of cooking to feed us all, and the committee did very well indeed.
Sunday breakfast
Two very cute Easter Bunnies came hopping around the hall handing out Easter Eggs, that was nice!
So pleased you came calling
Included in our Goody Bag were two complimentary tickets for the Miniature Railway in nearby Queen Elizabeth Park. The sun was shining and the park was buzzing with family groups. Toot, toot, here comes the train! The passengers disgorged, and then we clambered in. The track took us several times around the lake, through the tunnel, tooting as it went, such fun. It doesn't take much to make us happy!
Ride on the miniature railway
The Grande Finale of the weekend was our catered dinner. The caterers, Kiwi Kai Catering, arrived towing their kitchen caravan all painted up advertising the Pink Floyd Experience. The owner told me that they will be going on the tour in June and will be feeding the band and crew. Our meals were very tasty, roast chicken and ham, with a selection of salads and veggies, followed by individual berry cheese cakes. We had taken along some bubbly for me and red wine for Robin to complete our meal, and were obviously having such a great evening that I forgot to take any photos!
NO cooking for us tonight, the caterers have arrived
After our lovely meal the final raffle prizes were drawn, and then the committee started auctioning off various items used for the country style decorations around the hall. I’m happy to say I won the bid for the three pumpkins, looks like I’ll have plenty of pumpkin soup making ahead of me. Just as well pumpkins store well so I don't have to use them all immediately.
That will make a lot of soup
The official closing of the rally took place on Monday morning, and thanks were made to the Wairarapa Caravan Club for putting on such a great National Rally. Goodbyes were said and it was time to hook up the caravans, and we all went on our respective ways. Such a fun weekend, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely, meeting up with old friends and chatting with new folks from other caravan clubs too.
The cattery owner had sent a message through to say that Gemma was “challenging”, was hissing and not letting the owner near her. Luckily she was eating well. I guess Gemma had no idea where she was, and why we had left her at this strange place. When she heard my voice she hopped down from her sleeping area and ran towards me, purring away, rubbing around our legs, just so happy to see us. I think the separation was painful for her and me as well. Never mind, she is back to being a caravan cat again.
Although the Easter weather in Masterton was mainly fine, with a few showers, the temperatures were really cold. I’m so pleased I had packed long trousers, warm tops and wooly socks to take away. There’s always laundry to do after a trip away, and of course hand knitted socks need hand washing!
Sock laundry time
7 comments:
That sounds like a very fun weekend! Great activities, good friends and delicious food as well as a visit from the Easter bunny! Gail at the Cozy Quilter.
I'm sure the cat will recover!
Our cattery posts photos of them on facebook. They weren't as grumpy as yours. As long as they were fed!
What an adventure you had!
sounds like you enjoyed your time even if the cat didn't!
Another wonderful holiday trip! Congratulations for winning the pumpkins.
Looks like a lovely get-away! What a nice series of activities in which to participate. I especially got a kick out of your line dancing demonstration. I first learned to line dance about nine years ago, and have been dancing at least twice a week (for and hour to two hours) ever since. It's very true that many line dances are NOT danced to country-Western music. In fact, we line dance to many modern tunes, including waltzes. It's a wonderful form of exercise, and is especially good for the mind. Keeping track of dance patterns in eight-count units is really good mental exercise. No doubt you-all were taught eight-count dances... but try 64 count dances! What a mental work-out! Anyway, I find it great fun. So glad you've been knitting, as it's great to see your socks. They're lovely! Happy Easter, belatedly.
What a fabulous Easter trip with interesting and fun activities. The gate certainly is a statement piece and should keep unwelcome visitors out! Your hand knitted socks look beautiful and are just what you need to stay nice and warm. Poor Gemma, I pleased she didn't stop eating while you were away. We are very lucky that there are 4 of us living here and we don't generally all go away at the same time. Missy is always so pleased to see us when we get home.
Sad to have had to leave Gemma but it does look like you had a fun trip.
Post a Comment