Driving From Wanganui To Taumarunui.

The Whanganui River shadows SH4 for the first fifty kilometres heading north; through hills, valleys and tight corners; There are stands of poplars on both sides of the road, like a guard of honour for motorists challenged to the limit. The moody river cut away sides of the road when it flooded, so that there are now 'Washout' signs, where orange-vested men are working, having put their orange cones on the road, slowing down cars and narrowing the road, but not too much. I drive past the Otoko Pa, which was a fortress in the Land Wars, but is peaceful today. I get out of the car to view Raukawa Falls, which are narrow, and quite low and but still make a constant din. The river disappears near Raetihi, giving more normal driving conditions. I stop in Raetihi to walk the widest main street in the North Island: In this country town are some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. When I cruise across the bridge into Taumarunui the river reappears. I am sailing on the incoming tide carried along by currents from the past. The reunion starts today, Friday, at the Athletic sports club-rooms, a marquee happening. - 3 -5 March,2018.