We spent four nights at the Ruakaka Raceway over Queens Birthday weekend with the Fifth Wheelers, a sub group of the wonderful NZCMA. About 45 motor homes gathered making for a very pleasant social opportunity. Happy Hour is a daily 4.30 pm ritual, usually lasting until 6pm.

We meet heaps of interesting people from all walks of life practically every day, and it is interesting to take a look at the demographic. They are mostly retired couples, baby-boomers travelling NZ. Some live in their very classy fifth wheel rigs while others have a home to go to. We fit in there but they are mostly in much more up market outfits than ours. Perhaps we should have joined the Gypsy Fair? Warren has his musical instruments stowed on board in the hope of a jam but they have been few and far between. He couldn't leave home without his trusty guitar, ukelele, jimbe drum and sitar. This lot did enjoy his music one night, with one enthusiastic singer.

On Monday we moved just a short distance to Whangarei and are happily parked in a free parking area near the new bridge, along with about ten others. Its an awesome spot by the river and the shopping ares.Thank you Whangarei District Council. At first glance I thought Whangarei had not changed much since we lived around these parts. (We moved from Ngunguru to Auckland in 1998). but actually there are some great developments. The path along the Hatea River to the town basin is a wonderful asset, as is the park which was the city dump when we lived here. Today we discovered the excellent new library built behind the old one and beside Forum North.  I was able to pursue my very new hobby - genealogy - with the help of a volunteer to guide me through the relevant websites.

It has also been lovely to catch up with some old friends from Whangarei area. Driving around conjures up memories on every corner, all good ones.

Here are some of my poetic thoughts about it.

MANAIA REVISITED

Ghosts gather as we cruise the Heads Road
Retracing old journeys
Forgotten landmarks slip into place
Manaia with her lumpy crown,
The sweep of the bay
And mangroves, those comforting amphibians
Their feet an undersea web, make
Homes for small creatures,
Toi toi flags blown and drooping
But I know their brightness
Against punga fern and ti-tree
Flame trees too in spring,
Exotic orange
Mecurial inside a big scudding sky
And grey rippling tide