A little Stitching, and Traveling On

I've spent a little time on my first Noah’s Ark Stitchery, and finished one.  It’s only small, but after all, every little bit helps.  I had to go shopping the other day to buy some black Perle no.5 thread as I had run out.

Two rabbits, done

So where have we been on our South Island trip these last few days?  St Arnaud was on my wish list for this trip.  I remember travelling through this tiny alpine village back in 2018 and remarking that I would like to stay here for a night or two next time we were down this way.  Situated at 650mt and according to Mr Google, the population was 120 a few years ago.  But I suspect it may have well increased since then, as there is quite a few flash new homes built on the hillside by the caravan park.  We had the whole park to ourselves.

Staying at St Arnaud

St Arnaud is situated on the edge of Lake Rotoiti and we drove the short distance down past the camp to the lake edge at Kerr Bay.  There was a water taxi tied up at the wharf ready to take trampers where they want to go, and it is also available for group tour around the lake.

Moody skies down by the lake

It may well be our Summer, but according to St Arnaud we were due for plenty of rain and cold temperatures.  I had to wear long trousers and warm socks to keep warm!

After two nights it was time to get moving again,  leaving the pretty alpine village of St Arnaud on the way to Wakefield.  The reason was that the nearest dump station was in Tapawera, you don’t want to know about this as it is a very important camping job which husbands have to do.  Hop growing is a big part of the local economy, and we passed plenty of these vines growing up the supports.  As every beer drinker knows, hops are an important part of the beer brewing process.  I presumed that this large building was a hop processing plant, but no, hops are grown inside under cover.

Hop growing at Tapawera

We had previously stayed at Tapawera on a farm POP, travelling with three other vans on tour and I remember being encouraged to milk a goat.  Which I did rather tentatively, concerned that the goat would take exception and would kick me.  Our hostess gave us some goat milk to take with us when we left.  Here is that significant picture from all those years ago of my fumbling efforts!  Ten years younger and not quite so grey.

That’s a younger version of me, trying my best

Moving on, we made our way to Wakefield, close to Nelson for our next stop.  The traffic was definitely getting busier as we drove along.  90km later we arrived at Higgins Heritage Park, our stop for the next two nights.   Once again, we are camping on our own.

Once we settled in, had a quick lunch, it was off to find a laundromat.  A I often say, just because we are on holiday, the washing still needs doing.  This is the first time in one of these establishments that I have ever seen any cleaning or maintenance take place.  These are such busy places, well used by locals and travelers alike.  Knitting helped pass the time  as we waited around.  I’m knitting the back of my cardigan and its coming along nicely.

Knitting at the laundromat

Back at camp Robin and Gemma had a little snooze, they were worn out, it seems.

Gemma and Robin

While they were busy doing that I went and had a quick look around the park.  Higgins Heritage Park has a series of large buildings, housing specialist collections.  It runs a series of Open Days and it appears that in-between times, club members come and work in their own areas. 

Plenty to see

There's us, looking back through the fence