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Thursday, April 11, 2019

Stitching and Traveling

Just a little stitching to show so far.  I’ve enjoyed several hours stitching away outside under the caravan awning.  Autumn weather here usually means quite warm settled days, so we are making the most of it.  Mind you, the nights are quite chilly now in the caravan.  Time to put my fluffy bed socks on!

Stitching Santa

Our three week road trip started with a weekend caravan rally on a farm in the hills of Otaki.  We had a real treat on Saturday night before our evening entertainment arrived – toasted marshmallows!  And not just any marshmallows, “Flamin Mallows” especially made for BBQs and extra long.  Dennis had made long toasting forks for us all, and we gathered around the fiery brazier toasting our marshmallows.  We were entertained by a musician in the evening - he played my all time favourite song, Ten Guitars, and we all sang along.  In fact, the group was in fine voice all evening, singing along to all those songs from years gone by. 

Toasting Marshmallows

Next was a trip over Gentle Annie, one of those roads not often travelled, from Taihape to Napier.  140kms of steep, winding road, up and over several mountain ranges with the scenery changing from steep grassy slopes, pine plantations, and National Parks.  Finally we arrived at our stop for the night, free parking at  the Springvale Suspension Bridge.  When the rain eased, we went for a walk to check out the bridge.   Opened in 1925, it was an economic necessity to open up more remote land for farming.  After 45 years the suspension bridge was considered unsafe for heavy traffic.  In 1970 the road was realigned and a new bridge was built alongside the old one.  Saved from demolition by Tony Batley, the bridge is now owned and managed by Heritage New Zealand.


Staying at Springvale Suspension Bridge

The next morning we set off along Gentle Annie to complete our journey, up and over even more hills.  What’s this on the road?  You know you are in the country when you encounter stock on the road, a  fine lot of black steers being moved along the road.  There was nothing to do but stop and let them walk around us.


We are now in Napier and have had a busy few days.  Took a trip along to nearby Silky Oak Chocolates to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate for afternoon tea – so decadent and delicious!  And buy a little chocolate too, of course. 

Yummy Hot Chocolate

We drove over to Hasting to see my sister Kathleen and her hubby, and catch up with all their news.  Sadly, both of them to not keep good health, but take one day at a time.  So it is very important to see them when we can.

Two sisters: Jenny and Kathleen


9 comments:

Michelle Ridgway said...

You are having a nice trip....Lovely stitching. You definitely look like sisters xxx

Kate said...

Love the photos Jenny. So nice for you to get together with your sister and you two look so much alike.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

you and your sister look a lot alike - your having fun on your travels and the areas look so pretty! continue to have fun

Tired Teacher said...

How lovely to roast marshmallows and sing around a fire on a chilly evening. (I like to set my marshmallow aflame rather than just toast it.) Enjoy the rest of your holiday.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Beautiful post, Jenny. What a great trek you are having. You and your sister look like two peas in a pod!

Janice said...

Your stitching on Santa is so lovely and even. I agree that we should make the most of mild autumn weather. I’m glad you’ve been able to visit your sister. You don’t half look alike.

Maria said...

Santa's looking great ...
You're having a lovely trip seeing lots of great scenery and enjoying some delicious 😋 afternoon tea...
Always nice to catch up with your sis and BIL...

Karen S said...

Looks like you are having a lovely time with your travels. Good to see some stitching along the way.

CathieJ said...

Your Santa stitching is wonderful. So glad that you are enjoying your trip. Great pictures.