Tihoi Adventure Park.
On Friday afternoon I met Bill and Kevin at the BP in Taumaranui to head for
Tihoi via the Punga’s. We arrived in the dark ready to put up our tents
but decided to kip in the hay barn instead.
A cool night was had by all as we awoke to a frost and heavy fog. Bill
cranked up the “Ironing board BBQ” and we warmed up with bacon, eggs, and
coffee.
AJ, Scott, Jeff, and Andy arrived and we had another coffee before we were off
to explore the 3000 acres on offer. It was very dry and dusty but as there
were no animals there were no gates to worry about.
We were told that we could go anywhere we liked, just don’t skid anything that
could be mowed for hay. There were hill climbs and tracks for miles but
little mud, but we found some!
And some more!!
The hill climbs and tracks although relatively tame would be a very different
experience in the wet. We all agreed that a winter visit would be on the
cards.
The Paj thrived on the surfaces of the volcanic rock, and the lead foot of the
owner!!!
As the sun began to fall it made driving and navigating ‘drop-offs’ more
challenging because as you got to the top of the rise the sun strike hit you.
You felt like a possum in the headlights! You new that there was a hazard
approaching but you felt like the front of the vehicle was a white cane.
As you started the descent or cornered, and the wagon changed angle, vision
returned. This was usually with a bit of ‘pucker action’ as you had to
realign yourself to match the track. This frequently was not where you
thought it was.
After a very pleasant days trekking and some at high speed, we returned to camp
for nourishment. Or grub, beer and bullshit.
After our fill we all bed down in the spacious accommodation of the hay shed.
Bog-Inn (day 2)
We packed up and left Tihoi after breakfast and some repairs to head for Bog-Inn
in the Pureora forest Park. The owners of Tihoi Adventure Park Aria and
Bob asked if they could join us for a spin in the bush. Aria’s mother came
along for the ride also.
We all met at the camp and unloaded and set off. AJ in Scott’s modified,
and his mate Alvis and his son in a 40 series, Jeff and me in the Camo-zuk, Bob,
Aria, her mother, plus Bill and 2 kids in their 60 series.
A short trip down the road to the turn off to Bog-Inn and a further 20 meters
down the track and bob cruiser fell over. We were following and watched
the cruiser negotiate the ruts and a front wheel slipped in and it gently rolled
over on its side.
Scott, AJ, and Jeff flicked it back on its feet and we were off again. The
60 series was a bit heavy in the bog holes, especially fully loaded and required
some towing, snatching and winching. We all got stuck at some point as it
was a stark contrast from the day before. At one point the front tow hook
was sheered off the cruiser and throughout the whole day they were all smiling.
Even as every panel developed a dent.
Most of us suffered some damage. The 40 series bent the tie-rod needing AJ
to remove it and Scott’s bruit force to straighten it. Scott’s modified
filled up the spark plugs with water on a “gentle puddle crossing”. The
Camo-zuk’s damage became evident at the end as my tie-rod resembled a banana.
All good!
We meandered through the bush over wash-outs, puddles, holes, and inclines until
we come to a drop-off called “the Luge”. Barely wide enough for a vehicle
I was very glad of two things: 1, I was in a Suzuki and 2, I was following a
cruiser with wide wheels! Once you start the slick clay shoot there was no
return, or steering, or brakes. Best just grab your ankles!
What a ride, better than any show ground attraction just a long clay sluice
higher than the roll cage with several sharp turns that you have not alternative
but to follow.
We carried on through bush and overgrown pitted clay tracks. AJ drove the
loaded cruiser so that Bob could ride with Scott to see what the modified can
do.
The cruiser had a few battle scars from the days outing but Bob, Aria and even
mum had a ball.
Jeff was rather glad that he opted for being my co-pilot rather than taking the
Safari.
Lunch stop was a
welcome break.
As we turned for home Aria decided to co-pilot with Scott. Silly girl!
We made it back to the turn-off and met up with some of the Taupo
crew who want us to give them a bell when we go out again so that
we can team up.
Back to the campsite to load up (Left turns were very limited for me).
What a cracker weekend with weather, tracks and company.
Thanks all,
Steve Kernot.