There were over 100 Jeeps of different models and from various eras.  For logistics reasons, we were split into four groups.

Day one

Day one saw our group first going to the largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere near Ballance, then heading to the coast for a play in the sand dunes, followed by a wee drive in the forest.

Wind farm near Ballance

It's sand everywhere!

Clearing the tree stump

Day two

Some of the Jeep owners wanted something more challenging than what Jeep had originally organised for the groups.  So on day two, we joined a small group of trucks for a trip that went up the Pohangina River.  We were meant to be the scouts - finding our own way up to a farm and joining the other group for lunch there, then bringing the other group back to base if the river wasn't too deep.  Well, we were still an hour away from the farm when we stopped for lunch at nearly two o'clock. 

So was the river too deep or not?  Have a look at the pictures and decide for yourself.

First crossing at the Pohangina River

Would we get stuck while waiting for the truck in front to be recovered?

While waiting to find a safe spot to cross the river

A saw, an axe and some body bulk helped clear the first log

The winch finished the job of removing another big log

Day three

We were promised a great view of the Manawatu from the top of Takapari Road in the Ruahine Range. The track was featured both in the mountain biking book and Andy Cockcroft's book on 4WD in North Island.

Yes, the views along the way were great especialy with the totara trees.  Unfortunately it got really misty when we reached the saddle and couldn't see very far.

Just outside the DOC (Dept of Conservation) gate, Takapari Road, Ruahine Forest Park

Great view along the way on a cloudy day - imagine what it's like on a clear day!

Interesting trees on the way up the ridge with our favourite yellow Jeep in front of us

The mist was getting worse and soon we were in the cloud