Puff & Pull Event and Gabriel Steam Trains Grand Welcome

Following on from the successfully fun spirited day in Kawakawa last year - there will be a similar if not more fun packed day held this year, Sunday May 25th 2008.
The day will begin with an active walk (Trek the Track) starting at 8am from Moerewa's Simpson Park. The walk is along the main road initially then onto the old railway line into Kawakawa. Groups will be able to meet up with eachother in the big new engine shed at the railway station. The Rotary Club will selling sausage sizzles and drinks will also be available, whilst teams assemble themselves for the PUFF & PULL. The competitive pulling of the engine will begin at 10am through the main street of Kawakawa. Safety and competition rules are very important to ensure no harm comes to anyone and no cheating occurs!
Just after the winners of the Pull Event are announced the grand lady Gabriel (she's a steam engine by the way!) will be welcomed back, now that Mike Bradshaw and his team have seen to her restoration. I am looking forward to that familiar smell, and the sound of her happy toot.
To add to the Puff & Pull day, weather permitting there will be entertainment at the Band Rotunda in Johnson Park, with stall holders selling food etc. And skip filling to test your strength, speed and agility! For the kids young and old there will be a pavement art competition held also in Johnson Park. As any other information becomes available I will post here, but click on the link to see last years success stories.

Hundertwasser Centre in Kawakawa

refer to Far North District Guide page 94

Bland Bay 2008

These pictures show us successfully keeping our tents from blowing away in easterly galeforced winds one day, then a blissful day on the beach and a tranquil sunset the next! Bland Bay January 2008

Summer Holiday Bland Bay 2008

We're all going on a Summer Holiday! I am sooo addicted to camping. After ONE night on Urupukapuka Island in a tiny 3 man tent with my little children and not being able to fit even an airbed in - off I went once on dry land to Kathmandu and picked up this nifty little/big tent. It's pretty cool! Easy to put up and quick to put down. Oh yes that pretty powerful easterly sure puts it flat too! But what do you expect when you dont peg in all the ropes! This photo was taken at Bland Bay in January 2008.

We brought bunks for the kids and an airbed so hubby can fit too. Separate room from the kids, it's sweet for our first tent :-)