South Island Holiday - Lots to do in Dunedin

Who doesn't enjoy a train ride - I know I certainly do.   We arrived at the glorious Dunedin Railway Station, with no time to take a few photos of the Flemish Renaissance style building.  Built in 1906 the booking hall is decorated with Royal Dalton tiles and has a beautiful mosaic floor.  Robin and I had been here several times over the years, so you will just have to take my word for it that the Railway Station is an amazing building indeed.  Our train was waiting and it was time for our group to jump aboard.

Our group took over one of the vintage carriages, with about 10 extra people as well.  Off we went, traveling through the city centre, to the Tairei Gorge, and back.  What an adventure.

All aboard the Taieri Gorge train

The Tairei Gorge is a dramatic 40km canyon, carved by the Tairei River between the Manioto Plateau and the Tairei Plains.  The railway line was started in 1879, built to connect Dunedin with Cromwell to support farming and the gold rush in the area.  Demand for this rail link dropped as roads improved, and this 60km section through the gorge was saved from closure and now is a popular tourist attraction.    The scenery was spectacular and the journey started with us travelling through tree covered hills.

Tree covered hills with the river far below

We passed the remains of several tiny settlements.  There must be a story behind this sign.  Maybe gold was found in "them thar hills" on Christmas Day?

Christmas Creek

The train trundled along and I swayed as I walked up to the cafe carriage.  What to have, a nice hot coffee and a sandwhich will do me nicely for lunch.  Eventually the train pulled in to Pukerangi where engine was moved to the other end of the train.  Some enterprising locals had stalls set up selling all sorts of things.  No, I didn't go and look, I was more interested in watching the engine being moved, although I couldn't really get too close to the action at all.

At Pukerangi

I was looking out the windows on the other side of the train for the journey back, with great views of the rugged landscape.  Surely no one could live and work in this sort of country?  There were only a few hardy goats around.

Rugged landscape

So back we went, retracing our steps.  Going through 10 hand carved tunnels and across 12 viaducts.  It's amazing to think of the men doing that work way out here in those early years, using hand tools to chip away on those tunnels.  And the effort it must have taken to construct those viaducts.  The workmen would have stayed on site, no doubt in very rugged conditions, to get this work done.  

One of the many viaducts, taken through the carriage window

We were so lucky with the weather, it was a lovely sunny day.  As we headed back to Dunedin Station I reflected on the day, how we had both enjoyed our previous trips in earlier years, and how great it was to be doing it again, one more time.  

But the day was far from over.  Back at our hotel there was a little time for R&R before getting changed, back into the coach for yet another adventure.  We were heading to Larnarch Castle for dinner, about a 13km drive from the city.  There was time for a look around the garden.

Larnach Castle

We had a guided tour of the castle and were told stories about the family history.  Larnach Castle was constructed in 1871 by William Larnarch, with the very best of materials specified.  Marble from Italy, slate from Wales, roof tiles from England, and glass from Venice and France.  New Zealand timbers were used and a 3,000 sq ft ballroon added several years later.  

William had six children with his first wife Eliza.  His daughter Kate died in her 20s, which greatly affected William.  He was a cabinet  minister in the New Zealand Government for 25 years.  He took his own life in the New Zealand Parliament Buildings in 1898 after facing bankruptcy and the loss of his seat in Parliament.  His family faced turmoil following his suicide in 1898 with disputes over his estate and the sale of the castle in 1906.  The Barker family purchased the property in 1967 which was in a very poor state, with sheep penned in the ballroom!  After years of dedication, hard work, and no doubt huge  sums of money, the castle and grounds have been returned to their former glory. 

On the Castle steps

Dinner was a very Gaelic affair, with a kilted Scotsman reciting Robbie  Burn's "Ode to the Haggis", which was then sliced up and distributed along the tables.  Yes, I did try some, and finished it - not quite to my taste but I persevered.  After all, I do have some Scottish blood in my veins, my maternal grand father was a full blooded Scotsman who emigrated here from Glasgow.

Whisky and Haggis

After tasting the haggis, or not, some decided not to try  it, our meals were served.  My choices were scallops, followed by lamb, and cheesecake for dessert.  Very tasty indeed.

All ready and waiting for dinner

Then a couple of fit young men gave us a sword dancing display.  

It was such an enjoyable night.  Beautiful surroundings, and lovely food, plus the entertainment.  And yes, Robin and I had been to Larnarch Castle many years ago.  I remember we had  afternoon tea in the gardens, and a tour of the castle.  But certainly not an experience like this.  

So it was a big day in Dunedin, first the Taerei Gorge trip, then dinner at Larnarch Castle.  I climbed in the coach for the trip back to our hotel tired but happy, with so many thoughts of the day buzzing around my head.  Just a couple more days of travel, and the trip will be over.

Mt Lees and Carry on Quilting

 The caravan club had a rally at Mt Lees over Anzac weekend.  With a museum visit and lunch planned on Sunday, I decided to drive up and join in the activities.  Fellow member Geoff was planning to go as well, so I asked if he could give me a ride.  The only problem was that President Owen had called a called a committee meeting at 9.00am, and Geoff was on the committee.  So that meant we both had to set our respective alarm clocks, and I had to be ready to go at 8.00am, with Geoff leaving home even earlier.  Just as well it was a nice pleasant  morning for a drive.  

After the committee meeting it was time for morning tea.  The usual way, chairs in a circle outside,  making the most of the nice Autumn weather.  And hot cross buns were provided, that was nice.  It was nice to catch up again, and there were several new members who had joined the club since my last visit.  Although my caravanning days are over, Robin and I were granted Life Membership some time ago, so I still like to keep involved, although it is on the sidelines these days.

The caravan club camping at Mt Lees

Then we headed off to OWMAC, Ohakea War Memorial Aviation Centre, housed in the Ohakea Hall.

Ohakea Hall once had a life of community dances and meetings, but ended up derelict and empty.    Surprisingly OWMAC has not been operating very long at all.  Greg Bradley, retiring after  20 years at RNZAF Base Ohakea had a passion to share the history of the Air Force and wanted to open a war memorial aviation centre.  The Manawatu District Council helped out with keys to the hall, and his dream finally came to fruition.  The hall was tidied and transformed and with the help of friends, and these personal collections tell the history of war and the role that aviation played.

Gold coin donation

There was a whole rack of uniforms, plus several on mannequins.  All quite different from modern day uniforms, I imagine.

Uniforms on display

Many cases of model planes on display

The volunteers gave us a tour, pointing out items of interest.  It was only a small hall, but it was packed with all things aviation.  

From there we went back to Bulls for lunch at Mint Cafe.  There was plenty of room for our large group, and it was a busy place, with plenty of other  customers popping in for lunch or coffees as well.  I ordered some lasagna, it was delicious.  I don't often make lasagna at home, so it was a treat to find it on the menu.

Mint Cafe, Bulls

After lunch, we said goodbye to the club members and started the drive home.  What's this?  Geoff wanted to call in to Viv's Kitchen at Sanson and take something nice home to Eileen, who couldn't make the trip today.  I wasn't going to miss out, so we both went in, queued up at the end of the long line, and made our purchases.  I really wanted a chocolate eclair, but couldn't see any left in the cabinet.  No worries, the staff were happy to oblige, and I was duly presented with a freshly creamed chocolate eclair in a bag, all ready to take home.  Many thanks to Geoff for the transport, much appreciated.

I'm still busy machine quilting, and I aim to stick at it till completion.  I have to pace myself and not spend too long at a time sitting at my machine, or my back gets uncomfortable.  Guess I'm about half way there now, and I'm marking diagonal lines with this handy Clover chalk pen.  I think these are great, but a closer look tells me I'm running out of chalk powder.  So I'll need to get another one shortly, or maybe they do refills?  Not sure, I'll have to enquire.  But I'm carrying on quilting, till the job is done.

My ever so useful Clover chalk pen

Anzac Day and a little Stitching

Anzac morning dawned calm, clear and crisp.  I took myself out for a short walk.  The ranges are snow free today, but just a couple of days ago, they were covered in snow.  Sadly, I didn't get a photo then.

Anzac Day (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) is celebrated on April 25th and is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand commemorating all those who served and died in war.  It marks the anniversary of the 1915 Gallipoli landing, where so many soldiers from both our nations lost their lives.  The red poppy, worn proudly on Anzac Day,  is a symbol of remembrance, and represents the blood red flowers that grew on on WWI battlefields in Flanders.  Our local library has a wonderful large hanging of red poppies.  Hundreds of local ladies knitted poppies in various shades of red, with black centres, which were stitched to the backing and is dotted with green felt leaves.  Goodness knows how many knitters took part in this wonderful creation.

Poppy wall-hanging in the library

My brother Brian is the soldier in the family and served in Vietnam with the 161 Battery Royal NZ Artillery.  He has written a book about his tour of duty.  He now lives in Australia and no doubt attended Anzac commemorations today at his local RSA.

Glimpse the Fear

I've collected my Bernina sewing machine from the shop after it had a clean and service, it is rather like a long lost relative come home again.  We certainly miss our machines when they are not here. don't we.

Home again

So today I've started machine quilting using the Serpentine stitch on another secret project.  I have mentioned before that I'm making three children's quilts for a special family.  Two finished, this is the last, then I can pass them over.  I have to get up from the machine and move around, I find, as my back gets uncomfortable if I sit and sew for a long period.   No doubt the joys of getting older!

More secret sewing

Sew Wot Tuesday

 It was a cold and showery morning when the Sew Wots came calling, it was my turn to be hostess today.  It was such a chilly morning that I turned the heat pump on to make it cozy, the first time I'd turned it on this season.   Sandra had brought around a nice big bunch of crysanthemums for me, that was a nice surprise.  She said she had a garden mishap and the bushes got blown over.

Thanks Sandra

There were just five of us today, two of our ladies had appointments so couldn't make it.  But there was still plenty of chatter, as usual.  Gemma was very, very interested in Heather's bag and had her head right inside, something had caught her attention.  Then she lay close by Heather's feet - I mentioned that Heather was priviledged, Gemma is not really a friendly cat to visitors at all!  Sandra had some Show and Tell, and presented two cute little baby jumpers she had made, for donation.  The ribby design gives them some ease to get them on and off those little chubby bodies.

Knitted by Sandra

Then Sandra showed us several donation quilts she had recently finished.

Sandra stitched these three donation quilts

Heather had also been working on donation quilts, and brought along two lap quilt sized, or maybe even suitable for wheelchair users.  These are nice and cozy backed in fleece and will be donated to the Cancer Society for patients.

Two lap quilts made by Heather

On Sunday my daughter and elder grand-daughter were here and helped me bringing some things down from the loft.  One of the items I wanted was a crate full of knitting I had done for expected great grandchildren over the years and tucked away.  I thought the ladies would be interested to see what was in the crate.

Mmm, wonder what is in here

So I opened it up and showed them.  There were baby sizes, and some to fit toddlers.  Most of these knits were using up left over wool from other garments.  I have to admit that I had forgotten knitting some of them.

Lots of knitting here which has been tucked away for a while

My friend Eileen had passed on some of that "eyelash" yarn, I think it's called, ages ago, And I used it in the two little jumpers on the left.  And I remember knitting the apricot and white striped squares in the baby blanket while on road trips with Robin quite some time ago, this is also finished in the eyelash yarn.  The little aqua cardigan was like one I had knitted when my first grand daughter was born, she is 35 now!  I found the pattern in my knitting bag and thought I would try it again, years and years later.

All this was in the crate hiding in the loft.

I'm forever hopeful of getting Great Grandies, so I'll keep these things for a while.  I can always donate them at a later date, if I feel like it.

Morning tea was served, but I forgot to take a photo when it was set out on the coffee table.  But I took a photo in the kitchen after the ladies had gone, when I was putting the food away.  I made bacon and corn savouries, and the fruit loaf is made with cold tea and whisky, and was delicious, if I say so myself.  Plus a couple of slices.  The "Eat a Lots" always enjoy their morning teas!

Morning tea

When everyone had gone, Gemma got the zoomies and ended up right on top of the wall unit.  She always thinks she is so clever way up the top, looking down at me.  She is up there with Robin's ashes, plus those of our previous cat Muffy, wonder if she knows that?

Who is a clever girl, then?

It was so nice to have everyone here this morning, catching up with news, chatting and knitting.

Winter Woolies, the Repair Shop, and Up in the Loft.

 With my sewing machine away being serviced, I've been spending a little more time knitting.  Last week I came across a stalled knitting project and set to work finishing the two fronts, knitting with  some hand spun wool sent to me by my late friend Merilyn.

That didn't take too long, and now I'm working on the front bands.  I've almost finished them, so the next step is the neck band, and sew it all together.  Wonder if I can get this finished by next week?

On to the front bands

The weather is certainly turning cooler and my feet really feel the cold weather, so it's time to get my hand knit wooly socks out.   These are my lighter 4ply socks, I'm sure it won't be too long till I'm wearing my nice cozy 12ply socks.   And it's time to change the summer sheets to nice cozy winter sheets too.  I'm feeling the need to cast on another pair of wooly socks too, it's so satisfying to knit your own.

Wooly sock time

I have a handy small folding clothes airer in the garage, and I went to fold it up recently and a bit broke off the foot!  Bother - now I'll have to go and buy another one.  Then I remembered that there is a local Repair Shop who operate one Saturday a month in a local hall, so I popped down to see them.  As it turned out, I knew one of the handy fellows there.    Terry has been volunteering every month, ever since this handy service started about 5 years, but this was my first visit there. The men on the team looked at the problem, and it was soon repaired for me.  That was a bonus, I don't need to go shopping for a new one now - and worry about getting rid of the damaged one.

Checking out my folding clothes airer

This is such a handy service, with all sorts of skills on offer, including two ladies with their sewing machines set up, an electronic guy, and I noticed someone fixing the legs on a coffee table.  There is also a cafe available, so I sat and had a coffee and a scone while watching all the activity taking place in the hall.  I noticed that most of the clients were elderly, a handy service for someone like me who has lost their home handyman.  Anything that Robin couldn't do, he could take to the Menz Shed and get one of the retired experts to help him.

My daughter Nicky and Granddaughter Emma called to see me today.  I had asked the two girls to come and help me with things up in the loft "sometime"  and Emma decided that sometime had arrived.  I really didn't want to climb that fold down ladder, and climb through the hole in the top any more.  Quite a lot of boxes and crates were handed down to Nicky and me standing in the garage.  All the interior and outside Christmas lights were going to Granddaughter Megan, she is a real Christmas fanatic and has her own home.  Son-in-law would be really keen to get the heavy tarpaulin, Nicky suggested, so that went in her car  too.  Nicky took a good quality wheely suitcase from our overseas trips.  What I really wanted to get down were several crates of fabrics, mostly knits, which I will probably donate I think.  And a crate of baby and toddler knits I had made for expected great grandchildren.  It really was a treasure trove of long forgotten items, a long way from being completely cleared but every bit helps.  And Nicky left with her car full to bursting.

I had cooked a nice lunch, or so I thought, of French Onion soup with cheesy toast.  Emma doesn't eat onions, she told me, but had plenty of cheesy toast.  I had also made some rather tasty smoked salmon baby quiches, everyone liked those.  I didn't take any photos of the visit this time, never mind.  It was lovely to see them, and they were so helpful getting all that stuff down, some of it I couldn't remember at all.

South Island Holiday - Manapouri, Bluff, Catlins, and Dunedin

It was a misty morning when we left Te Anau, stopping off at Lake Manapouri, the deepest lake in the country at 1455ft.    The Maori name means "Lake of the sorrowing heart", referring to two sisters whose tears formed the shape of the lake.  Environmentalists   campaigned long and hard between 1969-1972 to prevent raising the lake level 12m to provide more water storage for the power station.  The prospect of irreparable damage to this beautiful lake led to nationwide protests and a huge petition which was presented to the government, and finally led to the scrapping of the project.  The rock and plaque shows the intended new level, if the plan had gone ahead.  Lake Manapouri was saved due to people power.

Lake Manapouri

We all climbed back in the coach and headed down to Invercargill, the second southernmost city in the world.  But first, a trip down to Bluff, (previously known as Campbell town) to get our photos taken at the famous Bluff signpost.  It was a bit of a struggle getting the large coach up the narrow winding road, then squeezing into a car park with all the other tourist cars and campervans who had the same idea.

Made it to Bluff!

A short walk took us to an interesting sculpture.  This anchor chain has a matching piece on Stewart Island, Rakiura, at Lee Bay.  Together, they represent the mythological anchor chain of Maui linking his canoe, the South Island, to it's anchor stone, Stewart Island.

Anchor chain of Maui

Bluff also has a dubious claim to fame.  It was at the restaurant overlooking the Bluff signpost that Covid made its entry into New Zealand while a wedding reception was taking place in April 2020.  79 cases and one death of the guests and staff resulted when an overseas guest brought the virus into the country.  Back then in the early Covid days, there were daily briefings by the Prime Minister and Dept of Health, and Bluff Wedding, as it was called  was the largest Covid cluster in the country.

Our next stop was at the Invercargill Airport to drop off several passengers who were taking an afternoon flight across to Stewart Island.  This was our lunch stop too, and once again, on this South Island trip, I ordered the famous South Island cheese rolls.  I had been trying these at various cafes as we travelled along, and must declare that these were the best!  We stayed the night at a local hotel which was quite a drive out of town, but possibly one of the nicest we had been to.  

The next day was a very full day indeed, took us through the Catlins, which certainly brought back plenty of memories.  We stopped at Waipapa Point, a coastline known for native sea lions and the historic 1884 lighthouse.    I didn't see and sea lions myself, but some of the more hardy passengers who walked further than me certainly did.  It was a beautiful, wind swept place, and we were lucky it was a fine sunny day.

Waipapa Point

The coach stopped at Owaka for lunch, which is the largest community in the Catlins area.  In saying that, it is really quite a small place.  There was a large shop/showroom with all sorts of things for sale, and the owner had free coffee and  biscuits available for the coach passengers.  Some of of took advantage of this kind offer, sat down at the tables, made our drinks and nibbled on a biscuit or two.  Others decided to try the other couple of eating places around.  I purchased some candles to take home, I like to light a candle in the evenings for Robin.   I was reminiscing about the wonderful teapot display in a lady's front yard that we admired previously.  Sadly the lady had died, the old house is derelict, and the tea pot tree is no more, the shop owner told me.  But luckily, I found some photos from the blog post I had written way back in 2012 to show you what it was like.  There were teapots galore outside, and some in the window of her house.

Teapot Land, 2012

Then we all settled back to enjoy the ride to Dunedin.  The first Scottish migrant ships were sponsored by Free Church of Scotland, and set sail in 1847.  The aim was to establish a new Edinburgh in the Pacific.  The community was eventually named Dunedin, the ancient name for Edinburgh.  The discovery of gold in the 1860s generated rapid growth and wealth, and a building boom of expensive buildings.

Coming into Dunedin

Our day of sightseeing wasn't over, and the coach pulled up outside Olveston House.  That was exciting, I hadn't been here before, although we took many trips to Dunedin over the years.  Olveston House was built in the Jacobean style for the wealthy Theomin family in 1906, and was bequeathed to the city in 1966.

Olveston House

We were given a guided tour through this fabulous home.  The wealthy owners took many overseas buying trips, and the house is full of their treasures.

Inside Olveston House

That was certainly a big day, and we were pleased to arrive at the hotel and relax.  It was nice to know that we were staying for two nights here.    Mind you, there were busy times ahead for us in Dunedin.