Ahipara

By Tuesday we seemed to be right in the middle of the storm and by the time we had walked back to the RSA from town where I bought a hot water bottle for times when we are not at a campground and can't use our heater, the rain was coming in sideways. We had had a cold night with the temperature going down to 3 degrees so despite just having bought a hot water bottle it seemed a good time to drive slowly in the strong winds out to Ahipara Holiday Park. It looks a little campground when you drive in until you explore further and find that they have a huge paddock out the back for campers. I imagine they are very busy over summer - at the moment there is just one tent up, just across the drive from us with an obviously very hardy man, not young, sleeping in it. For a Holiday Park it is quite busy for this time of the year with a few young, mainly German tourists coming and going and quite a few surfers in the cabins, having heard about the good surf coming in.

Bottom of Ninety Mile Beach, Ahipara in background

Tuesday night was very wild with rain and strong winds buffetting the bus. We had been advised to park away from the pine trees to avoid both the cones and trees falling on top of us - a bit scary at times but by morning we were still standing on all 6 wheels and the wind had subsided. There was even sunshine. We were only going to stay for 2 nights but after playing golf again on Wednesday - I played better this time - and it being suggested to us by other players that we stay to play in the 2 day tournament this weekend we are going to do that. It will be nice to stay in one spot for a few days and it makes economical sense. Instead of paying $30.60 a night at the camp we can stay for a whole week at the winter rate of $103 so we will stay until Monday for 6 nights at the weekly rate. Also the golf at the weekend is a bargain at $20 each for the 2 days whereas our normal green fees are $30 each. Plus by entering the tournament we have a chance of winning a prize!

It's nice to be at the camp ground and plug the heater in while we are having these cold nights. I also make the most of using the camp stove instead of our own gas and have made a batch of scones (some go in the freezer), a fruit cake with added rum so it keeps, and a big pot of pumpkin soup - yum!! (of which I also manage to squeeze some in our little freezer - icecream starvation for Len for a wee while!) The washing is all up-to- date now as well.

A crowd gathers in anticipation of some action!

Today, Thursday, we have parked by the beach on the Foreshore Road, and as soon as the shower of rain stopped Len has cast his rod into the busy surf by the rocks while I write some emails and do this blog. I can see him on the beach and he has already caught a kahawai - the steak I took out the freezer will have to wait until tomorrow now! Methinks I might do a fish curry again as we enjoyed that last time!