We visited the Howick Historical Village on Saturday and learned about the history of our little town. It was very interesting and really well done. Howick was a fencible settlement. The fencibles were retired soldiers --- many from Ireland who were recruited here not to fight but to defend and preside in mandatory parades. They were promised free passage over and a cottage with an acre of land. Of course when they arrived these cottages were not ready. Most were put in tents.
And they were about as pleased as David appears here.
Or they were put in some huts.
O'kay I look a little happier --- although I was sure something had fallen into my hair.
When we arrived we met Joan dressed in appropriate costume who was a wealth of information and would pop up during the afternoon and visit with us. The rooster that is following her is named Rod Stewart and apparently never shuts up.
Laundry day was a big deal back then also ---- Hmmmmm --- If only I had a covered porch!?
The fencible pictured here
apparently posted this note in town
and instead just got a school marm
(O'k what are fettlocks?)
Enough of out history --- we ended Saturday with a walk to Musick Point which is at the tip of one of the peninsulas. The pix never do justice to these views.
Sunday was another "brilliant" day. We went hiking with Carol, a doctor and friend from Maryland, more recently Nashville, who has been so supportive in helping us get settled in a new land. We explored Duder Regional Park (there are 25 regional parks) which includes a farm loop and a coastal walk. We decided on the farm loop which joined another trail which ended at the tip of the peninsula.
After tramping and sloshing through hillsides of sheep all the while wondering why the trails weren't better marked
we discovered there was another way to go
the actual trail! ?
It was a delightful day none the less --- and to our credit other folks were tramping on the hillsides also. We had our picnic lunch with a panoramic view of the Hauraki Gulf and the Tamaki Strait at Whakakaiwhara Point. (/wh/ pronounced as an /f/)
Some more pix from this hike
Our friend Carol, looking like a true New Zealander
And the lovable Coloradan Kiwis
View from the tip of the peninsula
As we departed the park and drove into the town of Maraetai, we discovered a wonderful coastal cafe where we had our classic chai and flat whites accompanied by a huge bowl of thick fries (maybe the only deal ($ wise) we have discovered in NZ). What a treat!
We all agreed this is a must see for visitors with a few adjustments --- Start with the coastal walk --then loop through the farm lands to the tip of the Peninsula and then end up at the cafe for a scrumptious lunch.
David and I ended the day with a walk along Cockle Bay to the start of the Mangemangeroa Reserve. We were so excited that we could walk along the coast all the way until I noticed the tide coming in and the walkable stretch shrinking. Now I know we invested in those wonderful water proof hiking boots but really!!
Needless to say we picked up our pace and made it to dry land by a smidgen along the cliff.
Phew--------Another dry day!
No comments:
Post a Comment