First camping trip in Goldie

After a few modifications and adding a few items to make her ready for camping 'Goldie' our 1974 Classic Caravan is ready for her first trip. She is 13 feet long and has a 2 burner LPG stove, a 240 volt refrigerator and 240 volt hot water tank.....all original!

 Brian and Bill are doing some last minute planing at Tiapa our early morning stop. Brian and Sue's Caravan is in the background.

 Goldie is parked between the road and the beach, with our 'new' to us Nissan X Trail tow vehicle. Ann's Transit Camper is in the background.

Sue is catching up on phone messages before we head to the Far North and out of cel range.

Our first night out is at Rarawa DoC (Department of Conservation) campground.

 It must be time to 'circle the wagons.

 We are set up to enjoy this beautiful uncrowded camping area. dry camping but with very good toilets and running water.

The beach appears to almost stretch for ever. It is about a 10 minute walk, the surf was moderate and the sea temperature was warm and inviting. Very few people on the beach!

A couple of days later we head to Ramp Road a Motorhome Assoc. camping area right on the beach.

                                         Happy hour on the beach.

                                         Ocean view through the window of Brian and Sue's caravan.

                                         None of the stories told are true.

Fishing with a twist at Ramp River.

The above torpedo is powered out into the surf towing a line that has hundreds of hooks and bait on it. The torpedo will go out hundreds of meters then let the line sink to the bottom. After perhaps 30 to 40 minutes the winch on the ATV will pull the line, hooks and torpedo back in with hopefully some fish on it! Also observed on the same beach were people using a kite to get their long line out past the surf line into the fish catching area.

Awanui River, a small town in the Far North.

 Tidal arms through the Rangaunu Hbr. meet the Awanui River giving moorage and protection to a number of houseboats and work boats. A shallow draft is required to navigate these waters only at higher tides.

Bay of Islands Classic Race

The annual Classic race is held on the first Saturday of the New Year. This Year we were joined on Ardmachree by Sue and Bruce, and Carl and his brother Guy. Several hundred yachts are entered from square riggers to much smaller vintage sail boats.

New Years Day

Leaving the morning after the Fire works at midnight on New Years eve.

                  Banksea as she sails away

               Waitoa raising her anchor...