Well, what a weekend. Here is a quick report.
The northern Sojourn started with some random light showers in the Albany area but nothing very bad. Collected Chris and Anita in their new Fraser at BP and had a pleasant but cool drive to the Brynderwyns and on to Dargaville to meet Des and Aprill.
A welcome coffee and a snack and off up through the Waipoua Forest to visit Big Tane Mahuta. It has been a while since I went through there and I had forgotten how nice and twisty the roads are! Stopped, visited, respected, and relieved then on our way through Waimamaku ( Petrol) and on to Rawene for lunch. Arrived about 1.00pm which was pretty good travelling time. Lunch in the cafe that is on poles over the sea ( if the tide was in we could have sat at our table and possibly caught lunch!).
Queued for ferry and then off over to the other side in 15 minutes. As we exited the ferry ramp spotted some vintage cars lined up so swung across the road to take a pic. The drivers looked momentarily startled as I drove toward them but when they saw the camera all smiles and thumbs up!
Then through Kohukohu, Broadwood, Herekino and finally to Ahipara. On some of the best “Fraser” roads I have been on. A couple of bumps here and there but undulating and sweeping for most of it with the odd tight corner thrown in to keep you awake. Arrived at the Motel at 3.45pm. Beer and wine followed and you know the rest.
Sunday dawned fine with dark clouds that cleared quickly( phew) and after a leisurely packing and cleaning the cars, off at 9.00am to Kaitaia for breakfast. Then through the Mangamuka forest, nice twisty roads – a bit bumpy to keep you alert, then to Kaikohe for Petrol and a break. Took the Mangakahia Road south to Maungatapere For lunch at The Office, right on the corner. Des tells me there is a private car and motor bike collection in an adjacent building open by reservation, so there is an excellent idea for a future trip. Very pleasant lunch out the back.
Departed with Des and Aprill turning off to home only a few Km away and we continued down on SH1 and points south and home.
A very excellent trip. Lots of driving but also lots of stops for passenger comfort. Lots of new roads, sights and new places visited.
Gary
SLVTOP
