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Day 30 Lake Ohau – Ashburton

We heard the rain during the night, though we were snug under our doona.  Woke to a very gray day indeed.  The mountains were not visible and the low cloud just hung as we prepared to leave our lovely Log Cabin.  Had to wash the sheets & towels, clean up and once again hit the road.  The temperature was pretty cool….. 11C

We drove to the Mt Cook Information Centre just past Twizel.  No Mt Cook could be seen today.  We were so fortunate with our travels to have seen the best of everything.  So the dampness and change of weather was not going to change our good mood.  Stopped by Lake Tekapo for lunch and of course visited & photographed the Church (+ a hundred of other tourists).  Terry found the monument further down for Border Collie dogs.  We drove a bit further and we spotted a ‘live’ border collie.  Of course we came to a screaming halt, to befriend this lovely 15 yr old black & white lady.  The owner was in his van and of course we started chatting.  He turned out to be a professional photographer from Wanaka.  So more chat and sometime later it was time to depart.
Thierry Huet  – so look him up.  http://www.picturesque.co.nz

We continued through various countrysides, from mountains, to rolling hills and now to flat country as we made our way to Ashburton.

Then we found Coniston, which is a sheep, cropping and seed farm on the outskirts of Ashburton. Their homestead was built in 1918 and renovated obviously.  Sheer magnificence let me tell you.  Our Gardener’s Cottage was built in 1870…wow!  What a historical treasure this is, cute as ever with lovely bedrooms of the gone-by era, lovely drawing room, cosy warm kitchen (host had the fire going for us) and all that we could possible need. The cottage is surrounded by the most magnificent rose garden and all are out in bloom.   The history is amazing and definitely these last 2 days in the South Island will be very memorable.  Terry has gone for a stroll in the rain (with glass of red in his hand of course).  Bet he has found the antique cars down one of the sheds.  Perhaps he will return before sunset.
I spent a little while photographing the amazing roses that surround this cottage and now warm as toast in the kitchen with the fire going.

Couldn’t help myself but had just go out and walk these magnificent grounds.  Walking in the rain with my umbrella, just wished I had put on the gummies that were provided for us.  Then I spotted my ‘Farmer Brown” hubby.  He is in total awe and just keeps muttering….we have saved the best for last!

We have to return and book in here for a couple of weeks for sure.  TD would just love to get a job here  to restore and maintain the many antique veteran and vintage cars, trucks, tractors and farm equipment.  He is sitting opposite me now, just drooling with goose bumps.

I did go and have a sneak preview of the Chapel here.  It is amazing as well.  It is a real church.  No kidding.  The 6.5 acres of garden will keep me amused tomorrow for sure.  More later…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 31 Ashburton

We have totally enjoyed our stay at the Coniston Homestead in Ashburton.  The Gardner’s Cottage has been delightful, but the gardens and remaining property are just astounding.   We have spent hours walking the property and discovering new delights.  You could spend days here and we must return to this place for a week at least. Terry was in his element with all the vintage cars and memorabilia of farm and other equipment.  I gave my macro lens a run for its money today as well.  Time the little beast came out of the bag and given a workout.  Who wouldn’t be in awe of these most magnificent roses the eye can behold?

The pathways and huge old trees are just so wonderful to walk in.  The pond and ducks were a great little interlude as we checked out the new accommodation to be available soon “The Shepherd’s Cottage”.  You could easily be lost in this meandering garden, so many nooks to enjoy, so many little side walks, little bridges and many garden seats to ponder the day away.  A lovely sanctuary this place and one worthwhile to add to anyone’s visit to NZ.

Tomorrow we fly out from Christchurch to Auckland.  Unfortunately we have to stay overnight before checking in a 5am for our flight back to Cairns.  Not sure how we feel about the up and coming heat & humidity.  It has been cold here and the fire is stoked pretty good to keep us nice and comfy for the time being.

Day 32 Ashburton to Christchurch

Re packed our bags ready for our departure today.  Of course we were delayed when Donald said he was getting out the Mercedes Benz 1888. I think there are only 2 in the world and this is one built from the original plan.  What a fabulous looking machine, and yes, took many photographs of course.  He also took Terry for a run in it.  Should have seen TD like a little kid playing with a huge toy!  Has made this whole journey complete for his Birthday Present.  Now I wonder what will I receive for my birthday next 😉  Just kidding.  (I did mumble something about a nice telephoto lens!!) Then just as we were leaving I just had to have another flower attack!

Well this is the end of our journey, so to speak.  It rained all day and quite cold.  So all our warm coats were out with scarf to match. Meandered to Mt Hutt and took the scenic route, though little to see due to the rain. But did find more deers.  Still looking for the elusive Rudolph –  I think I found all his girlfriends and apprentices.

Right now at Christchurch airport – we are quite early so need to keep busy for a wee bit.  Dropped our car off to the rental company opposed to leaving it a the airport and paying extra fees.  Besides I had to have my whinge re us receiving a 7 yr old vehicle when we supposedly paid for a 2 yr old vehicle.  Will see what comes out of this, but the service in Christchurch has been amazing, both the car & airport staff.

Addit:  Sitting in Novotel Hotel at Auckland Airport right now.  So glad we are showered and can put our feet up & relax.  Up 4am to check in at 5am.  Home before we know it now.

 

 

Poetry & Truth - December 15, 2011 - 02:21

About a woman like you:
When the 3-wheeled Benz patent engine carriage did not find number 3 the expected admission with the paying audience, Berta Benz with her both sons undertook 5th of August, 1888 a 106-kilometre-long journey from Mannheim to Pforzheim and went back three days later about another route again.
This first successful distant journey with a car took place in company of her 15 and 13 year-old sons Eugene and Richard, but without knowledge of her husband. The journey served substantially to scatter the still existing reservations of the customers and allowed subsequently the economic success of the company. The town chemist’s shop in Wiesloch near Heidelberg came thanks to the cross-country trip to unexpected fame: She is valid as the first filling station of the world, because Bertha Benz bought there the necessary fuel Ligroin. To far the 20th century one could acquire petrol and other fuels only in chemist’s shops.

Cheers
Werner

Lorraine Phillips - December 9, 2011 - 20:04

Well Ingrid you certainly look as if you and Terry enjoyed your trip, loved your photos especially the lupins with the mountains behind. I have seen some beautiful photos on RedBubble of them and the colours are amazing, pinks, purples and creams, just beautiful, will have to go our selves one day.
Well back to reality for you now and the heat and humidity of Cairns.
Cheers
Lorraine.

Cairns – Home again.

The heat, the humidity all greeted us with a vengeance as we exited the cool arrival lounge at the airport.  Luckily our friend’s car was beautifully air-conditioned.  No need to say that as soon as we had greeted our pooches, it was off with the jeans, the thick socks, the top layers and into shorts and sarong.  Must say it is pretty gross here at this time of the year.

The upside is that the cloud formations of the wet monsoon build up is spectacular.  Thunderstorms do accompany every other afternoon, but mainly stay up on the Atherton Tablelands.  We did have showers overnight, which unfortunately has only made it more humid.  Once those >100mm/hr rainfall start it is heaven on earth.  You hear the rainforest sighing and saying thank you with the accompanying frog chorus to lull you to sleep.   I love the wet monsoon season and thank fully we have surrounding covered verandah allowing us to be outside and enjoy this phenomenon. Of course the rain is even warm!  The temperatures drop, the sun is hidden, offering much needed shade for comfort. The downside of course is that everything you touch is damp or wet.  Clothing does not dry and the clothe’s dryer works overtime.  Still as weather freaks, it is a great time then. The lack of sun and blue skies does tend to affect us eventually.  Mainly by February & March, Mango madness takes hold.

Christmas time in the tropics is absolutely surreal.  Who in their right mind would want to bake a traditional Christmas dinner? And let me tell you, many do. Luckily the trend is changing to cold buffet – salmon, prawns, cold hams, meats and various salads with the occasional dip in the pool tossed in.  Of course many a very cold beverage is consumed during all this ritual. For the lucky ones who can afford to have air conditioners in their large lounge/dining rooms they work overtime – only to have super huge electricity bills to make you pale and weak at the knees in the New Year. The ceiling fans are never turned off, offering that air circulation that you hunger for.
So why do we live here?  Who knows….must be menopausal madness 😉

More later….