Now the annual Jeep Jamboree was being held in Rotorua so the “Red Baron” (Harald) approached me way back in 2004 asking if I would be interested. Of course at that time my truck wasn’t ready, but I agreed that it was a good idea, and we worked on getting set up so I could get a few trips in before the Jamboree. Having got the Golden Bay Trip & Sav’s Mystery Trip under my belt I felt confident that all was well.

With all the last minute jobs completed, which included a groom for both trucks at a local car detailer, we set off together (We’ll get to be known as the Siamese Twins) on Wed.26th Jan. and crossed the Cook Strait on an absolutely flat calm sea.
Harald & Carmen had Carmen’s cousin Ulla Brill from Germany as passenger, on her first off road experience. With the three of them tucked up in the “Red Beast” we followed them off the ferry and headed north to Ohakune for the night.
The next morning was a trip up to Chateau for morning tea & on to Waitomo Caves and a look around the district there. We visited an area advertised as a natural bridge and it has the most stunning walkway up a beautiful river with high cliffs either side joined by an overhead natural archway. Well worth a look if you are ever up that way.
We went on further to a waterfall, which was found after a nice bush walk, and we were amazed at the size of it. There only seemed to be small rivers about, but this was a big sucker of a waterfall and to think that this was a hot dry period I guess it would be even more impressive when it rains.
Now, sooner or later, I was sure to be told off. It came after the walk back, up hill I must say, and in temperatures hot enough to peel the skin off a camels back. On the way I spoke to two lovely young ladies off to see the waterfall. I arrived at the truck first and being the thoughtful fellow that I am I jumped in and got the air conditioner going. I was sitting there listening to music when I noticed Harald frantically waving.
The young ladies had not put their hand break on and their car had started to roll away. My delightful wife, Linda, had been holding it on her own for some time as I sat in the car happily tapping out the beat to some country tune. She had been calling out and was only saved by the “Red Jeep” people about 5 minutes behind her. I was not popular for some minutes but then she realized how lucky she is to have me and all was sweet again.

The next day was to Rotorua and the trucks were put on display that evening down near the waterfront. It was neat to meet new people and much “ooing” & “aahing” took place as everyone took photos and checked out each-others trucks. Harald’s old Wrangler even came for a visit.

Day one, started with each group meeting at their allocated time and off our group went led by Kevin Bevege with Paul Davis as Tail End Charlie. A 30-minute drive past some nice lake spots bought us to the days activities at Blue Gums Hill country property.
 Now it was hot & dry and during the briefing we were told that no smoking or fires were allowed. We dropped off a steep incline and wound our way through gum trees and came face to face with a burn-off of gum tree cuttings (still burning). That bought a few quick comments over the radio from the comedians amongst us.
We had a reasonably trouble free day except for me getting stuck once when Kevin asked me if I would like to take a different route through a boggy area. Off I go, and sure enough, diff. deep and towed out. I console myself with the fact that others did the same after me. ( I secretly wondered if Sav had been talking to Kevin. It seemed like a repeat of Sav’s Mystery trip incident.)
It was a nice drive, which finished with an attempt at a hill climb. The “Red Baron” was the first to attempt it and made it first time. Yep you guessed it. I was one of the non-successful.
It was very hot & very dusty and I felt sorry for the people in the open top trucks but I’m sure they all enjoyed it, as they never stopped smiling.
A stop at the Rubba Dubb car wash for a quick mud removal, so as not to drop it in the courtyard of the motel, and off to a fabulous night up the gondola to the Skyline Restaurant. Here we met up with Tracey & Sav who were in a different group.

Day Two had us starting half an hour earlier and we headed to a farm property with lots of bush and what seemed to be endless tracks. As usual there were optional tracks and I chose to tough it out and “Holly Hell” I ended up stuck again. An attempt to catapult me out ended up breaking a snatch strap and out came the shovels and I was finally towed out backwards. The second try was successful so a bit of pride was restored, even though I came out of it like a space shuttle launching. (I’m going to have to get some driving lessons. All I’m doing is wasting everybody’s time & embarrassing my wife.) There was an Australian Video crew working and I just hope the cameraman was off for a “wee-wee” when this happened. (I’m sure Harald will come up with a good photo of this)
It was another very enjoyable day with Kevin & Paul absolutely everywhere. I’m sure they must have walked the whole two days. Kevin’s wife Donna & daughter Kylie assisted & I think it was with their help that they managed this magic act. They looked after Green Group like we were part of their family.
Back to Rubba Dubb for a quick squirt down.
The evening was spent amongst a stand of huge Redwood trees with a large canopy strung up in them. Tables were all set and we were treated to an unbelievable barbeque with bar tenders, waitresses and the sound of Latin America from a live band.  
For each evening we were picked up and dropped of in busses and the drivers were absolutely wonderful. They dropped us off as close to our motels as possible.
 
The next three days, after a photo shoot of our Cherokee’s before we left, saw us traveling through Taupo, Turangi, Whangamomona, New Plymouth (to visit friends) over to Masterton & Castlepoint Lighthouse, Wellington & a fog bound Harbour.
It might be worth noting that all the shipping on the harbour was using fog horns and a nice long blast from the “Red Jeep” prevented them colliding with us as we waited to board. I’ll bet the Ferry Master needed an undies change after thinking he was being rammed from behind.
Another mirror calm crossing and our Jeep Jamboree Trip was over.
It was a damned good outing.

Lex Bloomfield.
 

View the report on Jeep's web site here

 
JEEP JAMBOREE 2005

The Jeep Jamboree – an event we always wanted to attend. But so far, there always was something else on. This time, we put the something else onners in a drawer and – fortunately among the chosen – headed off overseas to the North Island to attend the gathering at Rotorua. It was well worth it!

Combined with 2 extra days before and 2 extra days afterwards, perfect weather, our faithful 4-wheeled buddies (5 with spare) and the Jeep Jamboree as the highlight in the middle, the five of us, Lex and Linda, Harald, my cousin Ulla from Germany (first time offroader if there ever was one) and myself, Carmen, had an absolutely marvelous holiday.

We arrived early Friday afternoon, registered, were given name tags (my 4-syllable handle generously extended by an extra one compliments of the management), an events programme, fitting men's shirts and hamstergloves for the ladies. With our Cherokees all spruced up and shiny for the occasion, we joined the ranks at the Show and Shine Parade in the park. What a pleasure to see so many beautiful Jeeps, each special in its own way, gathered together. (On the sidelines, Harald and I had a joyful/nostalgic meeting with our old Wrangler, which had found a new loving home in Rotorua the year before.)

Eager beavers, we turned up 30 minutes early at the meeting point the next morning, admired a few more Jeeps and headed out for our first day's trip right on time. Along main roads first, past Hell's Gate, lakes and forests we reached our offroad target, turned in at the red letterbox and went into 4WD. Farm and forest tracks, a number of nice descents and climbs, a few extra options for ”toughies” (sort of) and the most beautiful views far across the land to the sea, combined with fine weather, hardly any mossies and only one single dust cloud (from 9 to 3), made this a most enjoyable day.

For the evening, the Jeep team had organised a ride on the Gondola and a stunning buffet at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Rotorua. Perfect. The shuttle bus was a valued bonus.

The next morning, we headed out right on time again, went a mailbox further down the road to the Weatherley property (a working farm with offroad facilities about describes it), and it was all on again. This time, it was altogether a bit more varied and a bit more challenging in part. Beautiful views again. And this time, the trip came complete with a well-advertised mud hole (optional), where some fun was had. A few farmgates added a bit of salt to the driving soup. One of these gates was a bit of a handful. It took 2 guys to open and close it. It would have taken a very smart bovine (with a bit of octopus in the family) to deal with that one.

Another thorougly enjoyable day. There was only one casualty. A snatch strap which got tired from the effort of pulling a Wrangler out of the mud. The Daimler Chrysler crew chickened out at the mudhole but you couldn't really blame them what with their shinies and all.

Our (green) team leader Kevin, assisted by his daughter Kylie, did a perfect job of keeping his flock together and going, and always with a ready smile.

A chap from an Aussie TV team did a bit of filming and photos were shot for an Aussie Jeep magazine. Jeeps were the stars.

Back in town, Jana from the DC crew, managed to sort out the hamsterglove business to our satisfaction. The guys in the Jeep shop were kept on their toes by the onslaught of buyers keen to to take away military caps and other important trophies.

In the evening, we had another meal very nicely put together, i.e. a BBQ in the Redwood Forest. And not a paper plate job either. Again with the faithful shuttle bus.

To crown the event, Banda Latina played up and enticed a little crowd to the dance floor. But not before a few speeches (commendably short) had been held, prizes given and some fun poked at teams and leaders. The organisers and helpers of 2005 Jeep Jamboree definitely deserved a big hand.... and they got it. Well done!

CHEERS
C & H