Saturday was the busiest day of the extended weekend. The Retro Caravans were open to the pubic to visit, plus Kath had a table of preserves and knitting for sale. Rick and Dave of Retro Caravans had a large display of many Caravan related parts.

 On our way to town to watch the parade of Classic Cars we had a chance to check out the Hot Rods and motorcycles still parked in their stageing areas.

 Early in the planning stages for the Beach Hop the number of Classic Car was limited to 1000, judging by the numbers we saw this limit was extended to over 1200.

 Check out the horns on the Caddie.

 Good to see mini mokes still being driven.

 A very rare Allard I believe.

 A big car to bump and jump its way down the road!

Mad Max on the road.

  

On our return to the campgrounds after the parade of cars we found a few more Retro Caravans were now on display. Four years ago when Retro Caravans first appeared at the Beach Hop there were 8 entries, this year 85 were here with a prediction to double the numbers for next year.

 Great combination, a matching '56 Buick and a slightly modified caravan.

 Not an Airstream, but a beautie fully built in aluminium.

 Another matching pair!

 A visitor from Australia.

 Rick and Dave's sale of bits and pieces for Retro Caravans was very successful.

Night interior photo of a very well restored Retro.

Sunday morning was the finale for this years beach hop, with prize giving and most people packing up.

 A very 'cool' VW camper arrived for a brief visit to the camp ground.

 

 Jim and Irena had been staying at a friends house for the weekend and dropped over for a visit driving their 1936 Ford.

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.