Another RSC Top completed

Another finish is always good, especially at this time of year when things are so busy with pre-Christmas things to do.  This one is one of the two Little Bricks projects (many thanks to Silvia for the pattern) I had been working on during the year.  I decided to make a zig zag version of the  bricks, just to see how it would turn out, and it was started in July 2022.  And yes, I’m very pleased with it.  I added a striped fabric as a border.  This will be a donation quilt.

Zig Zag stacked bricks

I have to say that I’m rather concerned by the amount of unfinished RSC projects I still have from the last year or so.  So I think  I’ll have to be much more restrained with the number of projects I start in  2024, to make time to get to grips with finishing these older projects. 

We have had a busy old time the last few weeks, going out and about with pre-Christmas happenings.  One trip last week took us past the Rainbow Bridge, situated off the Transmission Gully motorway.  I can just imagine all the beloved pets passing over this pretty little bridge on their way to heaven, waiting to be reunited with their owners later on.

The Rainbow Bridge

We took a trip to the local licorice factory, RJ’s, to stock up on Licorice Allsorts for the holidays.  On entering the shop we were rather alarmed to see a whole bunch of police inside, and wondered what the emergency was.  Seems the only emergency was that they had ran out of licorice, and often call into the shop to replenish their supplies.  The police personnel left with their arms full of goodies, and we looked around to see what we wanted to buy and take home.  There are lots of different varieties of licorice produced here, but we prefer the good old fashioned licorice allsorts, as pictured on the sign.

Licorice heaven

Moving Around and Stitching Time

Where have we been since we last chatted?  Moving on from Christchurch we traveled south to Ashburton, a nice straight drive down SH1, and we drove over the longest bridge in New Zealand at 1.7km over the Rakaia River, another braided river.  What is a braided river, you may be wondering? A braided river consists of a network of multiple shallow channels that diverge and rejoin around  braid bars.  This gives the river a resemblance to the interweaved strands of a braid.  This part of New Zealand, Canterbury,  contains 60% of the braided  river habitat in New Zealand.

Driving over NZs longest bridge

Just over the bridge is the Rakaia Salmon statue on the side of the road, the icon of the small town. The  giant salmon statue stands 12m high and symbolizes  the good fishing in the Rakaia River.

The giant salmon of Rakaia

While in Ashburton we decided to go on an adventure, and explore the Rakai Gorge.  We made a picnic lunch, filled the thermos, and made sure we took along the sun screen and insect repellant too.

Ready for a picnic

Originally we had thought we hadn't been this way, but when the scenery started to look familiar we remembered we had done this trip way back in 2012.   Stopping at the lookout gave us wonderful views of the river, and since we were last here, a beautifully carved Maori Pou had been erected.  This tells the story of the Taniwha of Raikaia.  According to Maori legend a taniwha river monster lives in the Rakaia Gorge.  His efforts to block the north west wind led to the narrowing of the river, when he brought down huge stones and boulders to halt the progress of the north west demon and imprison him

Maori Pou

Then we returned to the Rakaia River for lunch, driving down onto the river bank to enjoy the wonderful views and people watch.  Some were frollicking in the river on their boards, others were walking along, still more were putting their boats in the river and departing with a hiss and a roar.  The bank across the river had rows of  different colours laid down,  always interesting to consider how these occurred. 

In the Rakaia Gorge

On the way back we stopped off at Methven for a look around and an ice-cream.  This is an interesting place as it is on the edge of the Mount Hutt Ski Field, so in the winter this is very busy indeed.  It was such a hot day we had to eat our ice-creams quickly to beat the melt efect!

Stopping for an ice-cream

Then we moved on to Geraldine, to the  Peski Pop (park over property) which is a favourite of ours.  We had been in contact the previous day to ensure there was room for us, asked for a non power site, and had been given a site number.  And there it was, with our name, an envelope for the fees, and an information sheet.  The grounds are beautiful in this Pop, graceful sweeping lawns, flower gardens and mature trees full of happy tweeting birds.  And best of all, there is a washing machine available, so I certainly made good use of that.

Staying at Geraldine

It was so nice sitting out under the shady awing, in the late afternoon and early evening. relaxing with a cool drink to hand, while finishing off another of my small Noah’s Ark stitcheries.  All the while the many birds were chirping away in the trees. 

Finished the Kangaroos

No visit to Geraldine is complete without stopping at Barkers, which is a big part of this small town.  Starting off as sheep farmers, for over 50 years the Barker family went on to process fruit  into an array of jams, preserves and drinks.  But the shop wasn’t where we remembered.  Several years previously, the company purchased the former St Mary’s Church Vicarage on the main Geraldine road, a category two listed heritage building, and transformed into boutique accommodation.  And adjacent to this is the Barker’s new Foodstore and Eatery.  First we went to the store, had a few tastings and purchased several items to take away.  Then we sat in the lovely airy café and had a drink each, a milkshake for him, and a coffee for me.  Believe it or not, it was so hot and muggy we really didn't feel like eating anything!

Barkers of Geraldine

I also visited the cheese shop and after sampling a few tastings, came away with several delicious fancy cheeses.  These will be nice with some crackers for afternoon tea.  Next was a visit to the local Quilt Shop, the Pin Tin.  Such a lovely shop, full to the brim with fabrics, knitting wool, and a large selection of panels.  I was after some new stitchery designs, but sadly the owner didn't seem to stock any of these, so I came away empty handed.  A shame really, as I do like to support quilt shops when I travel, but didn't want to buy something I didn't really need, just because I feel guilty.

The Pin Tin of Geraldine

What have we been up to?

There is an awful lot to see down here in the South Island, as we are traveling around.   We spent several days in Blackball, an old mining town.  The most famous building here is undoubtedly the pub which has an interesting story about it’s name,  called “Formerly the Blackball Hilton”.  Built in 1910 it was named The Dominion.  In the 1970s the owners changed the name to The Blackball Hilton, as the main street is called Hilton after one of the early mine managers.  However, a threat of legal action from the overseas Hilton Hotel chain caused the name to be changed by adding “Formerly” to the title.

Formerly the Blackball Hilton

Moving on to Hokitika we had couple of of things to do on our wish list, so we set out bright and early the next morning.  The snow topped Southern Alps looked so nice as we drove along.  Looks like the local farmers had been busy making baleage.

Snow capped mountains

And here we are, at the Treetop Walkway, this attraction was not built last time we were down this way.  There was a golf car available at no extra cost to take those of us with mobility issues up a reasonably steep path to the beginning of the walkway.  The structure felt very safe and stable and is elevated 20m above the forest.  The walkway is built on Department of Conservation (DOC) land, and the native trees are a sight to behold, especially knowing that they are all protected from logging. 

On the Treetops walk

Oh look, there’s the Tower.  Goodness, that looks high, and is the launch pad for all those people who want to have a go on the zip line.   At 47m above the forest floor, I climbed the 107 steps up the circular stairway to the top.  Robin wisely declined, unsure how his knees would cope with all those steps.  Can you see me waving?

I climbed the tower!

Then we headed off to check out Lake Mahinapua a short distance away. The lake side was very busy with visitors, people splashing about in the water, and on boats.  This area was once a coastal lagoon, but centuries of sand accumulation in a belt of dunes eventually cut off the sea access, creating the lake. 

Lake Mahinapua

There was still more exploring to do in this area so we set out again the next day.    But first we needed to pack a picnic lunch to take, bacon and egg croissants, a couple  of Christmas mince pies, a juicy peach each and a thermos of hot coffee.  The sun-screen and insect repellant came along too.  Now we were ready and drove 30km to Hokitika Gorge - never been there before.   Most of the West Coast was  covered by vast moving glaciers 500,000 years ago, we read on the interpretation boards, and these shaped the landscape as they moved slowly along.

A short 10 minute walk we were advised would take us to the Hokitika Swing Bridge.  It may have been short for most people, but took us a lot longer than the time stated, it was quite hard going for Robin and his knee problems.  Young people and families walked on past us, we were much slower with Robin’s crutch and my walking stick as we negotiated the sloping path.   The beautiful turquoise blue water caused when rocks are ground into a fine powder by the movement of glaciers.   We arrived at the look out point for our first glimpse of the very blue river and saw the swing bridge below us.

First view of the Hokitika Gorge swing bridge

Several more twists and turns down the track and we finally arrived at the bridge.  Here comes Robin over the bridge, and taking a photo from the middle of the slightly bouncing bridge was necessary, but a little unnerving.  And where would we be without friendly fellow sightseers  happy to take a photo for us?  Robin really struggled with walking back up the track and in the end he did much better using my stick as well, he really needed two sticks for extra balance and a feeling of security, I think.  Walking up and down this track took a lot more out of him than either of us expected, sadly.

ON the Hokitika Gorge swing bridge

The next day we started the drive over the Arthur’s Pass road over the Southern Alps,    As we drove along further into the mountains, the scenery changed dramatically, with all those rugged mountains surrounding us.

There's Gollum on the roof of the Otira Stagecoach Hotel.  Wonder how he got there, still looking for that gold ring, presumably.  The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed in the dramatic scenery in different parts of New Zealand.  Back in the early days, several hotels along this road  provided accommodation and fresh horses for the coach parties making the arduous trip over the Southern Alps.

 

Hello Gollum

Arthur’s Pass was named after surveyor Arthur Dobson, and in 1864 he explored the route seeking a way to supply West Coast miners from Christchurch.  The next year construction began and hundreds of workers braved the extreme conditions to complete the road in a year.  This was the start of a new era for the West Coast, the beginning of a coaching service, and later, a railway line across the Alps.  The road has improved over the years, although it is still rather steep in places and full of twists and turn.  There was one more quick stop to make before heading to our overnight stop.  We are certainly surrounded by nature’s grandeur in this part of the country.  What a sight this must be in the depths of winter with snow covering the mountains.

Arthur’s Pass

Our stop for the night was at Bealey Hotel, free parking for NZMCA members. Of course, with free overnight parking, we had to give the hotel some custom, and booked in for our evening meal.  Very tasty it was too, lamb rump for him, and pork belly for her.  Check out the view from the dining room window.

 

Staying overnight at the Bealey Hotel

While enjoying our dinner, I glanced around the dining room, as you do, and was intrigued to find that several of the dining tables were mounted on the bases of old treadle sewing machines.  So of course I had to take a couple of photos of the tables which were happily still vacant.  I did wonder what the staff and the other diners thought what that  crazy lady was doing!  I noticed  New Home and  Singer bases.

 

Bases of the dining tables

The  Bealey Hotel’s claim to fame was the supposed sighting of a moa (a very large bird about as big as an ostrich and now extinct)  in the Craigieburn Range by publican Paddy Freaney and two friends in 1993.  They produced a blurry photo of the moa, and another of an alleged footprint.  Many believed it was a publicity stunt to increase trade to Paddy’s pub, but the local and overseas media were very interested indeed by this story.  So much so that Paddy declared “that he wished he had never seen the bloody thing!”  But who knows what is hiding in the mountains and valleys. The hotel has a large moa statue in the grounds, and interestingly, serves Moa beer in the bar.

Bealey Hotel moa

With all  this traveling, I haven't spent much time of my stitchery.  Just stitched a bright yellow sun, to accompany the two kangaroos on my next Noah’s Ark stitchery, several days ago under our shady caravan awning.  But every stitch helps, doesn't it.

I’ve started another small stitchery

The Prettiest Quilt Shop in Town

There’s no doubt about it, as we drove past this cute little shop on the way to Greymouth, towing the caravan behind us, I remarked that we would have to return to this shop the next day.  Bright and colourful on the outside, I was sure it would be just as nice inside.

Pink Possum Quilt Shop

I was after some backing fabric for my second piece of traced out stitchery.  Yes, Sue had some of that and cut me a piece, then I had a look around the shop to see what else took my fancy.   There were plenty of fabric, samples, panels, notions, and lots of kits, I noticed.

Lots to inspect and admire

Yes, I did make a couple of other purchases.  I found an easy bag pattern, and of course I couldn't walk past  this little caravan kit.  Designed by Wendy Williams, all fabric, thread and felt pieces are supplied.  There was also a bin of $1 fabric pieces, so a couple of those were added to my purchases too.

These came home with me

Not far from Greymouth is the Runanga Miners' Hall.  The current structure dates from 1937, and replaced an early miners' hall from 1908 that was destroyed by fire.  The hall is notable for its place in  history of the organised labour movement in New Zealand, and was granted Historic Place Category 1 status by Heritage New Zealand in 2013.  Although looking rather worse for wear, it is currently being restored.

Getting a spruce up

Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast, and was founded during the West Coast gold rush of the 1860s, but for 150 years after this its economy was based on coal mining and native timber forestry. These brought prosperity to the town which at one point had 47 hotels.  The central part of Greymouth was regularly flooded when a high tide coincided with a flood in the Grey River.  A flood wall (locally known as ‘the great wall of Greymouth’) now protects the town, and provides a pleasant walk along the south side of the river.

On the great wall of Greymouth

After a couple of rather hot and sticky days here, the rain has now set in.  But we’ve had time to do copious amounts of laundry, restock supplies, refuel the Jeep, and have a quick look around town.  We are moving on tomorrow, where to, I wonder?

Happy New Year

It’s been much too hot and sticky lately to do any hand stitching or knitting, so nothing to report on that.  But we have been having a great time driving around and exploring on our South Island Trip.  Here’s an update of our adventures.  Boxing Day at the Beach is a Kiwi institution.   The day was hot and sunny, but the cool sea breeze cooled the temperatures down while we were sitting on the golden sand at Marahau Beach .  There was plenty of action happening off shore.  Several people were enjoying para-sailing, with the wind carrying them along at a great rate of knots. There were a few yachts sailing around, the sea kayakers were out in force, and we could see the Water Taxis going by as they carried people to various walks in the Able Tasman National Park.  And what’s better than paddling in the water on a hot sunny day?

Marahau Beach on Boxing Day

After five days spent in Richmond with Robin’s sister Kaye and her hubby, it was time to move on.   We were presented with fresh new potatoes from the garden, and I was encouraged to take some of the abundant grapefruit from the tree – all very much appreciated.   It was time for thanks, and goodbyes, with promises to call in again on our return back later as we head to the ferry. 

Kaye with oldest brother Robin

It was even hotter at our next stop in Murchison, we had a couple of days at 30deg C, much hotter than we are used to.  Murchison lies close to the Alpine Fault, and in 1929 a powerful quake centered in Murchison was felt throughout the country.  The town as evacuated, but 17 lives were lost, and the surrounding area was left in ruins, causing the Maruia River to gouge out a new channel, creating the Maruia Waterfall.   Originally known as Hampden, the discovery of gold led to the establishment of the town.  Several old, rather interesting buildings are still standing, and right next to the NZMCA Camp where we were staying is  the old Commercial Stables building.  Now it trades as Dust and Rust Vintage Store, selling all sorts of bits and pieces.

The old Commercial Stables

An advertisement for “The longest swing bridge in New Zealand” caught our interest.  A 15km trip along the Upper Buller Gorge, and we arrived at the destination.  The swing bridge is only one part of the operation.  Jet boating, flying fox rides and gold panning are also on offer.  We decided the swing bridge would be enough excitement for us.  Goodness me, at 110m  long, and suspended 17m high above the Buller River, we stepped on and off we went.   I know some people do have a problem stepping onto swing bridges, we are fine as long as no one decides to jump up and down, and try to swing it from side to side!

The swing bridge in Buller Gorge

Heading towards the West Coast, we decided to stop for the night in Reefton.  The discovery of rich gold bearing quartz in the hills and valleys around town soon gave rise to the nickname Quartzopolis.  The other claim to fame is that Reefton was the first town to “see the light”.  Reefton Power Station supplied electricity to the very prosperous gold mining town and was the first power station to supply municipal electricity in the Southern Hemisphere. It started operation on 4 August 1888.  This time we stayed at the Reefton Hotel, which offers free parking to caravans and motor-homers.   Robin went into the bar to make sure it was OK to stay here, and the reply was, “We are happy to have you, please support us”.  Of course we did, and enjoyed a huge meal in the dining room that night,  roast beef for me and a big burger for him.

We stayed in the car park at the hotel overnight.

Walking up the main street I discovered a lovely mural painted on a wall. Using an old photo as inspiration,  “Trucks of Quartz Mural” is a tribute to the vital part that horses played in the early days of mining towns.

Beautiful street art paying tribute to working horses

Where to next?  We continued along the Buller Gorge to Cape Foulwind on the West Coast.  This is a rather slow and winding road but the most challenging part is driving under an overhang of rock.  Hawks Crag is a prominent landmark in the Lower Buller Gorge, where the road has been cut into a cliff that drops into the Buller River.  We have driven this way before towing our caravan, so we know we fit through as do big motor-homes and trucks, but this stretch on the road still makes me hold my breath as we drive through.  Just as well it is a single lane on this stretch.

Passing under Hawks Crag

We are now staying at another pub, this time the Star Tavern at Cape Foulwind, where we are parked up on grass with a sea view.  We wanted somewhere for New Year and this is an ideal spot for a couple of nights.    Just as well we are not too near the cliff edge as there is a danger sign warning to keep clear.  I gingerly walked up to the fence and looked over.  Such a pretty sandy cove down below, what a lovely sight.

At Cape Foulwind

Gemma rather likes it here, there is a lot of birdlife for her to look at, and desperately dream of catching one, no show of that, Gemma  .  Being a bit of a diva, although she really wants to go outside on her lead, she hates the wind blowing in her face, so refuses to go out the door.  The next best thing is sitting on top of the sofa and looking out the window, where she chatters away at those pesky birds.  There are several weka running around, native birds about the size of a hen, and sea gulls perched up high on top of a lamp post.  All out of reach, and so much bigger than her, so all she can do is sit and watch!

There are big birds out there, Mum

We had been playing Telephone Tag with fellow bloggers Irene and Ian who write Free Spirit blog and had arranged to meet at this camp for News Year Eve.  They have come over from England and are traveling around New Zealand in a tiny little van.  We hadn't met before so it was so nice to finally catch up.  We were booked in for a pub meal at the Tavern to celebrate New Year, and we enjoyed a drink while we waited for our dinner booking time to roll around. All of us decided on Crumbed Camembert for starters, nice and tasty indeed.  For the mains it was salmon for me, and steak for Robin, no surprises in our choices.  Ian chose fish, and Irene struggled with a large Mixed Grill. 

Jenny, Robin, Ian and Irene

By the time we had finished our meals, the patrons had thinned out, the music was getting louder, so we all went back to our van for coffee and cake. It was a lovely evening indeed, although we have to confess that we just couldn't stay up till midnight to see the old year out, and the new year in.   Staying up past midnight was no problem in earlier years, but these days, not so much.

If you were wondering how Cape Foulwind happened to get such a name, it was from the intrepid explorer Captain James Cook.  His boat the Endeavor was blown off course by the prevailing westerly winds in 1770.  This area was originally called Rock Cape by Abel Tasman when he sailed by earlier in 1642.

Happy New Year to all my readers, it’s so nice to have you along for the ride.  May 2023 be kind to us all, with new projects starting and old ones finally getting completed.  Bless you all.