Beautiful weather all week and sure enough, come Saturday - it rained! I guess I should never have mentioned that word BBQ! It's becoming a bit of an annoying habit! Sunday however, it fined up to a fantastic overcast day, with rain only threatening!

Meeting at our usual Pak n Save departure point - there was a total of 15 vehicles (only 14 of these were thoroughbreds though - we had a tag-a-long in a Paseo!). It was certainly a surprise to see, no let me rephrase that, hear arriving was Blair from Christchurch - he'd shot down overnight for a quick visit but unfortunately his busy schedule wouldn't let him make the drive! He sure made an impressive exit out of the carpark though! Another member, Gavin (who took some of the photos) was also a bit busy so had to shoot through as well. I guess I should have known better than to organise an MR2 drive to co-inside with Bathurst!
                                               
After a bit of debate, we decided to carry on with the BBQ and headed out to our destination - Tairei Mouth. The road to Tairei is about 25k's and follows the coastline through some nice open road to a picnic area. Just coming into the township, I had to evasively maneuver as a certain white MR2 decided to stop in the middle (although Alan contests it was more the side!) of the road. He had spotted something that not many people would recognise. Alan also wants to know how his NA MR2 ended up in front of my SC!!

From Alan: "Spotted and recognised at Tairei Mouth on our MR2 outing by two of our older members - a 1923 Lorraine Dietrich (Belgian Aero-engine Co.) beautifully restored and imported from Australia by Mr Wardell, a member of the family who originally imported the only three Lorraines in New Zealand. The Wardell family had a high class Grocery
Store in George Street, Dunedin many years ago!
 

The three original Lorraines became derelict in the Omarama area. They were recovered by Ivan Cliff and Jim Bennett (all ex members of the Otago Sports Car Club) in the 1970's. One car was restored from the three originals, wooden body frames and all! It still resides in Otago" Great stuff! Maybe next time you could flick on those hazard lights!! No worries!

Once at the 'Mouth', we decided to get on with lunch pretty quickly - the sky looked a bit ominous. Out came the Barbys and on went the steaks and sausages. With the frying underway, there was plenty of time to have a chat. More than one member pointed out their frustrations at the Bathurst clash! After lunch, there was a bit of 'test driving' by a
few members - Duncan allowing Nick Parker to take out his great new toy - 1994 Turbo, Nick had a smile on his dial but he's still a Mk1 SC boy - good stuff Nick!! For those who don't know, the drive will be Nick's last for a while as he's off to Australia for his dream job - designing engine management systems - have fun!

As the precipitation began to intensify, it was time to depart - bit of a quicker trip back for a few of us, although the wet roads certainly made it a bit more interesting. Great to catch up with everyone again.
 

This photo has been 'cut and tucked' due to erratic MR2 parking!

See you all again next time (probably my last drive for a while - heading overseas.) South Island members, keep Saturday 1st free as we have booked in for a guided tour through Kuriheka Homestead - just out of Herbet (near Oamaru). This is a large historic homestead, bought by Col Joseph C Nichols C.B.E. on 13th March 1885 - great collection of artifacts including weapons, armour, paintings, books, furniture etc. If you are interested, please contact me on danny@mr2.org.nz or (03) 476 6141

Danny Blair
'87 SC - "HI PSI" - reluctantly for sale :( 

Article from : Dunedin MR2 Club Drives