7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Now a caravan Re-worked to become a caravan in 2013. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove Camper truck to umm, almost caravan. The original camper truck Ford Trader in 1973. Then reclad and put it on its own trailer and chassis. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove The life and times of a Ford Trader Camper truck Bette Cosgrove The original camper truck Ford Trader in 1973 belonged to Jean and Stewart Howell from Otaki. Their son Trevor’s ingenious rebuild extended it and reclad it, put it on its own trailer and chassis, then it was re-worked to become a caravan in 2013. Brother Gaven has now been using it for 12 months in Foxton. ©2024 Bette Cosgrove GO TO Celebrating Summer Kiwi ingenuity at its best Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 10 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption SOG®: Fresh air in your toilet Corinne Lindemann-Roth Are you tired of using chemicals and having smells come from your Thetford or Dometic cassette toilet? Have you ever wondered whether there would be a more environmentally friendly way of using your caravan toilet? If so, a SOG® system is the solution for you! Nobody is a fan of unpleasant odours, especially not when on holiday and definitely not in confined living spaces such as those found in motorhomes and caravans. Now imagine being able to go to the toilet in your motorhome or caravan and be welcomed by nothing but the freshest of air! For owners of a SOG system, this dream is nothing but an everyday reality. Through the use of an electrically powered ventilator, SOG is able to remove any odours coming from the toilet and is also able to completely eliminate the need for toilet chemicals. This makes SOG good for both the environment and your wallet. The SOG system comes as a kitset which can easily be installed either by yourself, if you have the correct tools, or otherwise any RV workshop. These kitsets can be retrofitted to any existing Thetford or Dometic cassette toilet and come in three different vent location versions, depending on the van and space available: door, floor or roof installation are possible. Made in Germany, the SOG® System has been around in Europe for close to 30 years. Protect the environment and your wallet in the long run. You can find all of the information and all the SOG kitsets as well as the spare parts such as filters, fan motors etc. on Moutere Caravans website and online shop. mouterecaravans.co.nz/sog-system Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 16

3 Autumn 2023 3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption FIshing boat coming in I watched a fishing boat come in through the heads the other evening, a skein of gulls in attendance; then the dusk light on the harbour. Its a glorious spot.© 2023 M Richardson ckw.nz/ngati-toa Porirua Harbour Night view across Porirua Harbour Camping under the macrocarpas There is an area under macrocarpas were camping vehicles of all kinds (including long vehicles) can overnight for up to 3 nights. STOP and STAY Ngati Toa Domain:Stop and stay Miriam Richardson The loveliest freedom camping spot before the Cook Strait ferries is at Mana, between Porirua Harbour and State Highway 1. There are sports- and play-grounds and an area under macrocarpas were camping vehicles of all kinds (including long vehicles) can overnight for up to 3 nights. Sadly, tenting is not allowed and you must be self-contained. There is a public toilet. It is walking distance to the train, a supermarket and a pizza place. I watched a fishing boat come in through the heads the other evening, a skein of gulls in attendance; then the dusk light on the harbour. Its a glorious spot. ckw.nz/ngati-toa Check out our Stop and Stay listings for recommended places to stop and stay on your travels around the top of NZ. Only the best. www.stopandstay.org Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 33

2 Summer 2022 2 Summer 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Revitalise 2–4 Jan: By Fiordland National Park Music, organics, healing, and sustainability — a revitalized vision 
for a better world. Wairarapa Music in the Country 6–8 Jan: Near Featherston, Wairarapa Great live music, atmosphere and experience. Egmont Country Music Festival 6–8 Jan: New Plymouth, Taranaki A relaxed weekend with music. Marton Country Music Festival 13–15 Jan: Marton, Horowhenua Marton Country Music Festival 13–15 Jan: Marton, Horowhenua Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival 14 Jan, Sat: Katikati, Bay of Plenty Great food, the best of wines, lively entertainment and more. Kumeu Classic Car & Hotrod Festival 20–22 Jan: Kumeu, Auckland Celebrate all things Classic Car/Hot Rod related Whanganui Vintage Weekend 20–23 Jan: Eclectic vintage themed events and attractions. Wheels in Wanganui 22 Jan, Sunday: A family day out, raising funds for St Johns. Edendale Crank Up 28–29 Jan: Edendale, Southland One of NZ’s biggest annual vintage machinery event roars into action. Edendale Crank Up 28–29 Jan: Edendale, Southland One of NZ’s biggest annual vintage machinery event roars into action. Traction engines always prove popular at Crank Up (2020) Niagara Falls Bluegrass & Roots Festival 4–5 Feb: Catlins, Southland Musicians from throughout NZ converge on the Niagara Falls Café, for a weekend of toe-tapping goodness. Burt Munro Challenge 8–12 Feb: Invercargill & Bluff Make an offering to the God of Speed. Waimakariri Country Music Festival 10–12 Feb: Rangiora, Canterbury Mandeville Fly In and Steam Festival 18–19 Feb: Mandeville, Southland Be transported to an age of open cockpit flight and steam-powered railway journeys. Wings over Wairarapa 2023 24–26 Feb: Masterton 24–26 Feb: Masterton 70 aircraft including vintage, military, jets, helicopters, aerobatic displays, and much more! Fantastic ground displays and activities for small and big kids alike. North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival 5 Mar, Sunday: Waipara, North Canterbury Enjoy an eclectic range of food stalls, a diverse selection of North Canterbury wine, quality live music and family friendly entertainment. 121 Festival 2023 10–12 Mar: Tauherenikau, Sth Wairarapa A 3 Day Dance Odyssey fuels your creative expression through art, music, and culture. Hokitika Wildfoods Festival 2023 11 Mar, Saturday: Hokitika, West Coast A celebration of the West Coast's unique wild food and lifestyle, with premier entertainment. Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival 11 Mar, Saturday: Havelock, Marlborough Enjoy fresh mussels, King Salmon, and Pacific Oysters, with great kiwi music and entertainment. Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival: Music 11 Mar, Saturday: Havelock, Marlborough Enjoy fresh mussels, King Salmon, and Pacific Oysters, with great kiwi music and entertainment. Hokitika Wildfoods Festival 2023 11 Mar, Saturday: Hokitika, West Coast A celebration of the West Coast's unique wild food and lifestyle, with premier entertainment. Repco Beach Hop 22–26 Mar: Whangamata, Bay of Plenty Vehicle Entry to Repco Beach Hop 23 is NOW OPEN! We are mixing things up a bit for Repco Beach Hop 23 with a prize draw of $50,000 CASH instead of a vehicle giveaway, with more to be announced over the next few weeks. The T Bucket is an iconic Hot Rod and most are based on the 1923 Ford Model T body, so we're offering FREE ENTRY for all "T Buckets"- there are terms & conditions so please visit our website to apply. Visit www.beachhop.co.nz to ENTER NOW! Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 1 Apr, Saturday Kimbolton, Rangitikei An outdoor art and sculpture exhibition EVENTS — Festivals and Shows 38 EVENTS — Festivals and Shows EVENTS — Festivals and Shows These events offer an opportunity for people to overnight while they attend. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details. December ‘22 Sanctuary Sounds Music Festival 2–4 Dec: Takapau, Central Hawkes Bay sanctuary-sounds.co.nz January Revitalise 2–4 Jan: By Fiordland National Park Music, organics, healing, and sustainability — a revitalized vision for a better world. revitalize.nz Wairarapa Music in the Country 6–8 Jan: Near Featherston, Wairarapa Great live music, atmosphere and experience. tauherenikau.co.nz/music/ Egmont Country Festival 6–8 Jan: New Plymouth, Taranaki A relaxed weekend with music. ckw.nz/egmont-country-festival Motueka Country Music Festival 7–8 Jan: Motueka, Tasman ckw.nz/motueka-country-music-festival Marton Country Music Festival 13–15 Jan: Marton, Horowhenua martonfestival.nz Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival 14 Jan, Sat: Katikati, Bay of Plenty Great food, the best of wines, lively entertainment and more. katikatiavofest.co.nz Kumeu Classic Car & Hotrod Festival 20–22 Jab: Kumeu, Auckland Celebrate all things Classic Car/Hot Rod related kumeuhotrodfestival.co.nz Whanganui Vintage Weekend 20–23 Jan: Eclectic vintage themed events and attractions. whanganuivintageweekend.nz Wheels in Wanganui 22 Jan, Sunday: A family day out, raising funds for St Johns. FB: ckw.nz/wheelsinwanganui Festival 1 27–30 Jan: Karapiro, Waikato Music, art & community. Like the rhythm of a pulsing heart… ckw.nz/festival-1 Auckland Folk Festival 27–30 Jan: Kumeu, Auckland aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz Edendale Crank Up 28–29 Jan: Edendale, Southland One of NZ’s biggest annual vintage machinery event roars into action. edendalevmc.co.nz February Niagara Falls Bluegrass & Roots Festival 4–5 Feb: Catlins, Southland Musicians from throughout NZ converge on the Niagara Falls Café, for a weekend of toe-tapping goodness. niagarafallscafe.co.nz Burt Munro Challenge 8–12 Feb: Invercargill & Bluff Make an offering to the God of Speed. burtmunrochallenge.co.nz Waimakariri Country Music Festival 10–12 Feb: Rangiora, Canterbury countrymusic.org.nz Lions Club of Ashburton South Island Motorhome Show 11–12 Feb: Ashburton, Canterbury Buy, sell, or view vehicles; commercial and private sellers, camping equipment, food stands and fun!Social campers are welcome. southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival 17–18 Feb: East Taratahi, Wairarapa wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz Mandeville Fly In and Steam Festival 18–19 Feb: Mandeville, Southland Be transported to an age of open cockpit flight and steam-powered railway journeys. experiencemandeville.nz Wings over Wairarapa 2023 24–26 Feb: Masterton 70 aircraft including vintage, military, jets, helicopters, aerobatic displays, and much more! Fantastic ground displays and activities for small and big kids alike. wings.org.nz March Selwyn Sounds 4 Mar, Saturday: Lincoln, Canterbury Brilliant music; fantastic food trucks selling delicious food from around the world. selwynsounds.co.nz North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival 5 Mar, Sunday: Waipara, North Canterbury Enjoy an eclectic range of food stalls, a diverse selection of North Canterbury wine, quality live music and family friendly entertainment. ncwineandfood.co.nz 121 Festival 2023 10–12 Mar: Tauherenikau, Sth Wairarapa A 3 Day Dance Odyssey fuels your creative expression through art, music, and culture. 121festival.co.nz Hokitika Wildfoods Festival 2023 11 Mar, Saturday: Hokitika, West Coast A celebration of the West Coast's unique wild food and lifestyle, with premier entertainment. wildfoods.co.nz Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival 11 Mar, Saturday: Havelock, Marlborough Enjoy fresh mussels, King Salmon, and Pacific Oysters, with great kiwi music and entertainment. havelockmusselfestival.co.nz CAMP FEST 17–19 Mar: Bulls Domain, Rangitikei A weekend of camping, craft and trade stalls, workshops and entertainment. See the camping entry on p38. route54.org/campfest Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor SuperShow 17–19 Mar: Auckland supershow.co.nz Repco Beach Hop 22–26 Mar: Whangamata, Bay of Plenty beachhop.co.nz George Begg Festival 30 Mar–2 Apr, Thursday: Invercargill The party vibes of the 1960s and 1970s for petrolheads, party people and families. georgebeggfestival.nz April Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 1 Apr, Saturday Kimbolton, Rangitikei An outdoor art and sculpture exhibition: sculpture from off the farm, about and of the land. All-day entertainment, country food, coffee, bar, free family fun, laid back music, lots of give-it-a-go things to do. Suitable for all ages (accompanied young people are free). See the camping entry . ruralart.nz Up Up 2 Summer 2022 , p 38

4 Winter 2023 4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Vege nachos: Recipes for camping Margaret Earle and Graham Leslie Serves 4–8 This recipe is easy to make. It uses mostly tinned foods so is a great meal to make when you are running low on fresh foods or if you have no fridge. Increase or decrease the quantities of the ingredients depending on how many people you are feeding. Ingredients 1 Tbsp oil 1–2 onions (diced) Garlic (fresh or from a jar) 1–2 tins chopped tomatoes 2–3 tins chilli beans (not drained) 1 tin of black beans or pinto beans (drained) Small tin or sachet of tomato paste (optional) Veges, diced; a range such as carrots, capsicum, mushrooms, courgettes, peas, green beans Small tin of whole kernel corn (optional) Method Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onions and garlic and fry until starting to colour. Add chopped tomatoes, tins of beans and tomato paste (if using). Combine and bring to the boil. Add the carrots and any other veges that need time to cook. Cover and simmer. As the carrots begin to soften add other veges that need less cooking time. Stir often so the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. If the mixture dries out, add a little water. When all the veges have been added and are sufficiently soft, take the pan off the heat and serve. Depending on your preferences and what you have available, vege nachos can be served over rice or corn chips or used in tacos or tortillas. It can be topped with sour cream, grated cheese, guacamole, jalapenos or chilli sauce. Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 27

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption RV Business Services Camping and RV Businesses Services NZ Lifestyle Camping GO TO Celebrating Summer Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 43 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing as the sun was going down STOP and STAY A roof-top tent M Richardson A roof-top tent captured at the Ōtaki Rivermouth freedom camp as the sun was going down. Kāpiti. October. ◊ ©2024 M Richardson Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 13

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Swimming www.gonatural.co.nz Camping au naturel www.gonatural.co.nz shed your clothes along with the stresses of every day life Camp au naturel gonatural.co.nz There are many ways to have a summer camping holiday, and everyone has their own reasons for choosing where they camp, how they camp and who they camp with. Some like the resort style camping holiday where everything is laid on for both adults and kids, while others choose to go bush, where they have peace and quiet and can get right down to the basics of camping. And some folk choose to go where they can shed their clothes along with the stresses and worries of every day life. Do you remember those halcyon days as a child when you could run around the house or back yard without clothes and no one thought anything of it. When Mum would strip your togs off at the tide’s edge to rinse the sand off and you’d do the mad dash to the car laughing all the way. As a teenager, that first midnight skinny dip at the beach, just because you could. Ahhh if only we could relive those carefree moments, when it didn’t matter that you were as naked as the day you were born. Well, there are several places around New Zealand where you can camp au naturel , in the buff, clothes-free. Where you can sit out in your camp chair with a good book and feel the breeze on your skin, all of your skin. Where you can lie in the sun for that all over tan and no one is going to bat an eyelid. Where you can go for a swim in the pool or a dip in the hot tub free of the clinging of togs then lie out for a gentle breeze and the sun’s rays to dry you off. Interested? Sounds like it’s too good to be true, but it isn’t. If you want the ‘shed it all’ holiday you’ve got a few choices in New Zealand. There are two commercial naturist campgrounds along with several naturist clubs that are well set up for camping holidays or if you’re lucky enough to find that really isolated spot with no else around to see what you are or are not wearing. There are also several beaches, some close to campgrounds and holiday parks that are frequented by naturists regularly. In fact you can be naked on any beach in New Zealand if you choose to. There is no specific law in New Zealand that prevents anyone from being naked on a beach or anywhere for that matter. Provided you are not engaging in offensive or disorderly conduct, obscene or indecent exposure anyone can go for a skinny dip or get that all over suntan. So why would you want a naked camping holiday? Why not? For starters there are the health benefits of sun exposure and vitamin D. Keeping in mind you still have to be sensible and use sunscreen or cover up when it gets too hot. Creating a positive body image is not easy in today’s world. Self-esteem is greatly enhanced in the naturist lifestyle and our own self-esteem increases when we accept ourselves for who we really are. However, it isn’t until a person gives it a try, that they can experience that concept for themselves. Latest research shows that vitamin D may play an important role in mental health. The recent Mental Health foundation annual awareness week was themed ‘Nature is Key’. We all know that getting out in the fresh air and sun just makes us feel better and all the more so if you are clothes-free. Having a camping holiday without the need for clothes brings a whole new meaning to the word holiday. For starters there is only half the amount to pack. Just imagine getting home and there is only a load of towels to go through the wash and not a mountain of dirty clothes. Get caught in the rain, there are no clothes to try and get dry in the tent or caravan. The kids won’t be rummaging through bags and drawers looking for their clothes every morning, they will be up and gone. And swimming without togs, once you’ve tried it you will never want to wear togs again. The number of different interests and hobbies that one can participate in these days is as wide and varied as the people who go camping, so why not include these within your camping holiday. If you are a seasoned naturist or just think you might like to dip your toe into the world of naturism there are multiple opportunities to include it while you’re camping. For more information check out www.gonatural.co.nz Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 35

5 Spring 2023 5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Bus gallery, Whangamomona Stopped at Taumarunui, I heard the following weekend was ‘Republic Day’ at Whangamomona, deep in the Forgotten World Highway. I came up with the idea of using my bus as a gallery, attaching paintings along the side with magnets. So paying my stall fee, I set up beside the whip cracking and log splitting exhibits. It was a wonderful experience and bought back the sense of community that was common in my childhood. I sold a painting and got another commission which took me to Opunake and the wonderful Mt Taranaki (that is usually still called Mt Egmont by the locals). Port Tarakohe Takaka Hokitika The obscure, forgotten little places A small paint kit, a few good brushes… David Liddall From the time I left school I was compelled to travel, hitchhiking everywhere (including Asia) till getting my licence at twenty-five, thereafter owning a succession of vehicles that doubled as campers, the longest owned of these being a 1972 pop top Kombi van, used daily for about 28 years. Prior to turning 50 I bought my current bus, a Mitsubishi Fuso, 7,500kg, 7.5m land sailing boat, built by a boat builder with very good design and functionality. Also dating from my school days was my interest in drawing and painting, and after initially trying oil and ink, once I discovered quality water colour paint, I was hooked, especially with it’s portability. Being able to carry a small paint kit and a few good brushes, all that’s needed is some good watercolour paper and a little pot of water and you have the means of expressing a memory or reproducing or creating a wonderful scene, something that will remain long after I’ve shuffled from this mortal coil. My travel and painting passions were put aside for periods of my life as I pursued a career in nursing, working in a variety of areas, surgical nursing, including a few years as a scrub nurse in theatre (Whangarei) psychiatric (Seaview Hospital, Hokitika and Whangarei) emergency care (Whangarei) and lastly, night RN in a MetLifecare facility at Mt Maunganui (my home town). After thirty years I took early retirement, largely financed by the sale of my Kombi (it seemed too ridiculous to tow a campervan behind a campervan) and I moved to Northland to be closer to my son and grandkids, locating at the little coastal community of Whananaki. Finding a source of print production I sold a number of prints to people I’d met passing through the campground and other local places. 19 years on the road: my current road trip Late in 2022 I left Northland to visit my brother in Thames and Coromandel, exploring right to Fletcher Bay, the outer tip of the peninsula. The clouds were ominously massing after New Year and I got out of that vulnerable peninsula in the following days, heading back north. Seeing the devastation behind and ahead, I spontaneously turned around and headed south instead (retirement is such a liberating state of being, to allow such decisions) stopping at Taumarunui when I heard the following weekend was ‘Republic Day’ at Whangamonoma, deep into the Forgotten World Highway. I came up with the idea of using my bus as a gallery, attaching paintings along the side with magnets. So paying my stall fee, I set up beside the whip cracking and log splitting exhibits. It was a wonderful experience and bought back the sense of community that was common in my childhood. I sold a painting and got another commission which took me to Opunake and the wonderful Mt Taranaki (that is usually still called Mt Egmont by the locals). With the delays to ferry services I spent longer in Wellington than expected but had lots of fun painting scenes around the city and did another commissioned work. Due to the sailing cancellation I spent a couple of nights at the Evans Bay Marina freedom camping area, to find lots of others in the same position, over seventy vans there that first night, and due to the excessive numbers some parked in the centre, between the two outside allocated spaces. In the morning the efficient council issued $150 fines to everyone parked outside the lines; nice to see bureaucracy doesn’t rest, even during a national transportation crisis. Being very aware of the environmental disaster moving toward us, I’ve determined to reduce my carbon footprint as much as I can, though I have given a lot of thought to the rationale of travelling at all, but our footprint exists regardless of where we exist, so I endeavour to spend longer in interesting places off-grid and independent (fortunately my bus is independent of external input if the sun is shining) rather than dashing hither and yon, and have found that it is the obscure, forgotten little places that hold the most interest and subject material for paintings and rewarding experiences. My favourite places so far are found in the high country of Central Otago and the upper West Coast, especially north of Karamea, such lush subtropical bush and coastal locations, and the Ida Valley. I am drawn to place names like Drybread and Blackball, getting to know the locals of Seddonville, and the muffins at Gentle Annie. I’ve been privileged to leave artwork in many places in my wake and hope they bring pleasure, however for most of this journey, I’ve done what I call my ‘cafe paintings’, taking my travel brushes and paints with a little watercolour pad to a cafe, have breakfast or a muffin and tea or coffee while I sketch out a scene from my phone, and do a miniature painting. They take about forty minutes and are very pleasurable to paint. Over the following few days I decide who to send it to, put a stamp on the back, write a thoughtful note to my friend or family member then post it off. To date I’ve done nearly forty such paintings. One friend receiving one, was told by his post lady she’d never delivered an original painting before. It’s a fabulous way to share my journey with others, and imagine the surprise they get receiving a little painting in the post. Maybe you’ll get one one day. Contact David: david@ckw.nz ‘Republic Day’ gallery on the bus, Whangamomona Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 25

7 Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024 ISSUE 7 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption Visitors ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Visitors ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Snoozing in the shade ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Shady walks ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Enjoying the shade Gary Hitchcock Great place to enjoy the shade. Orton Bradley Park. n Banks Peninsula, Canterbury. Gary Hitchcock ©2024 Gary Hitchcock Banks Peninsula, Canterbury. ©2024 Gary Hitchcock GO TO Celebrating Summer Camping ground. Not affected by law changes. Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 9 ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 4 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

10 summer 2024 10 summer 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption My day at the Ellesmere A&P Show Tony Knights My day at the Ellesmere A&P Show Don’t miss local A & P shows when you travel the country.above. See the gallery ©2024 Tony Knights Up Up 10 summer 2024 , p 23

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing popular with families and tents Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve Heather Auckram If you are travelling along the Southern Scenic Coast then 10 minutes out of Riverton, turn off Highway 99 and follow the Thornbury Gropers Bush Road. A short drive along the road you will cross a bridge over the Aparima river and see Thornbury-Aparima Bridge Reserve on both sides of the road. It is free to camp for up to 28 days. It has a new long-drop toilet, gravel at the top section, grass at the bottom section and is sheltered from the wind by large trees. Be warned the grassy area gets wet and muddy after rain and many a vehicle has been towed out by the local farmer. It is spacious enough to easily accommodate large vehicles. It is popular with families, tents and all vehicles both self-contained and not, but never so crowded that you won’t find a spot. Do keep your pets under control as it is surrounded by working farms. The Aparima River runs beside the camp. Swimming and fishing are allowed but not during times of heavy rain as it can flood over the paddocks quickly. ◊ Images ©2024 Heather Auckram Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 20