Whanganui and Back

 Last weekend we had a caravan trip away to Whanganui, stopping overnight on the way at Duddings Lake.  What a pretty, peaceful place this was.  We decided to camp off power so left the crowded motor camp behind and parked up around the lake on a large grassy area.  There were several caravans and campervans parked here, but plenty of room  between is all.

Our lakeside camping spot

The lake must be very healthy as we noticed plenty of bird life, and the frogs serenaded us in the evening.  How often do we hear frogs, we commented.  Their calls are quite soothing really, soft croak, croak, croaks.  Gemma enjoyed quite a happy time outside safely on her lead all afternoon.  There were ducks to watch, and then she rather liked settling down under the caravan, I imagine she feels safe and secure under there.  Then for a change, she likes nothing better than sitting in the caravan doorway, snoozing, or taking in the sights.

Gemma in the doorway

The following morning it was time to move on from Duddings Lake to Whanganui Racecourse for the Vintage Weekend, with two other vans joining us there as well.  Four of us walked the four blocks into town to view the vintage cars parked up on Victoria Avenue.  It was another very hot day, and we joined the crowds all admiring the various cars on display.  People were everywhere, some in 50s costumes, some with dogs and children, and plenty of vintage age people on sticks, all intent on checking out the cars.

Someone's pride and joy on display

There was plenty of entertainment too, to keep the crowds happy.  Some were dancing to the music, and we noticed that others had brought their folding chairs along, to sit in comfort and enjoy the music.  It was such a hot day that after lunch in one of the cafes we were pleased to return to camp for some rest and relaxation.

One of the several bands performing

On our last full day in Whanganui, we invited Maureen and Russell to join us for a drive to Pipiriki and a picnic lunch.  It was many years since we had driven this road, so long ago that in those days it was a gravel road, although it is now sealed.  Narrow and windy, it took us through tiny settlements with interesting names, rather like those associated with the Grand Overseas Tours taken by young men of the aristocracy in earlier years.  These interesting little places have now reverted to their Maori names.  Athens, now known as Atane, Corinth, now Koriniti, London, now Ranana, and Jerusalem, now Hiruharama.  We stopped at a lookout point along the way for a lovely view down the river.

Looking down at the Whanganui River

One of the places we were keen to revisit was the Kawana Mill, in fact, we wondered if in fact it was still there, after all these years.  This mill has not been operating for many years but the water wheel is still in place.  Luckily the building has been well cared for by the NZ Historic Places Trust.  This is the only remaining one of six mills  dotted along the river to mill corn and wheat grown by the Maori people back in the day.

Kawana Mill

From here we continued on to Pipiriki and found a nice shady spot in the picnic area to eat our lunch.  This little settlement is the hub for jet boat rides up the river.  We met up with friendly young German tourist who had arrived with her bike off the boat and was planning to cycle to Whanganui - wonder if she realised just how hilly the road was?  She kindly agreed to take our photo for us.  

Robin, Jenny, Russell and Maureen

On the way back we stopped to  admire the Raukawa Falls at the lookout.  It was a lovely day out, traveling on roads we had not driven for quite some time.  

Raukawa Falls

Whanganui is an area with a very strong connection to the river.  There is a saying here which sums it up.  "The great River flows from the mountains to the sea.  I am the River, the River is me,"

Since returning home I have been doing a little of this and that.  A little time working on a pair of socks, and a few hours sitting at the sewing machine doing some machine quilting on a donation quilt.    And today, once the heat of the sun had eased, I spent a little time working on my stitchery project.  But....... nothing completed so far.

Stitching on the patio this afternoon

So that's what I've been up to over the last week.  A weekend trip away in the caravan, and its always so nice to take some time to work on a project or two.