Todays Trip Report

Day 6 got off to another early start at 8am sharp. Everyone is pretty chirpy today - nice cruisey trip along the sand on the beach to the Rangataiki river mouth - wish we could have stopped for a spot of fishing. It looked like an excellent spot with a few surf casters out.

Then on to a farm section with excellent native scenery - brilliant deer country according to the 'J' team boys Tony Sims and Graeme Wilton.

More problems for Grant Purdie's Vx Toyota, now leaking oil from the new gear box just installed in Auckland. So it's back into the garage to sort the problem out.

The next stage was to Kawerau and a trip through Kaingaroa forest. This gave us a chance to see some logging operations and the huge logging trucks. From there we went on to a  lunch stop and photo session at the summit of  Mt Tarawera - absolutely brilliant views - the crater exudes mystery and pushes the imagination to the limits. Well worth the walk up.

On the descent from Tarawera, we met a tourist convoy coming up. After some discussion, they were pursuaded to pull over for our much larger convoy.

Next, a most enjoyable trip around Lake Rerewhakaaitu with some water crossings included. Tony from 'J' team had a bit of fun hooning it along here. Then on to more dusty and, at times, extremely rutted roads, to De Bretts for a well earned sleep.

Until later, Margaret from 'J' Team.

[Editors note: Antony Royal phoned soon after leaving De Bretts. He tells me the long days and lack of sleep are taking their toll a bit, however a good rest and a later start on Sunday were a help. He hopes to be able to send more digital pictures when he can find somewhere to connect his PC to a phone line.
Mark Wilson]

Distance covered: 301Km  [Note: distances covered are determined by a GPS carried by Antony Royal]

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Seen on the back of a 4wd:  "If you can read this, I've lost my caravan!"

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Route Map

The map below shows the route followed the Challenge vehicles today.

 
Hutt Valley Nissan - Williams and Adams - Pudney and Lee Wormalds
Johnson, Lawrence & Elder

The North Island Four Wheel Drive Challenge has been put together by a small dedicated group of 4WD enthusiasts (all experienced club members) on a non-profit cost-recovery basis.

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