A little Sunday jaunt

On a cool, overcast and blustery day a drive down country seemed like a good idea. First stop Ophir - well the bridge.
Of course someone had to take a few shots at the sign


My colonial forebears introduced a lot of animals and plants - hollyhocks were probably one of their better choices

but the rabbits were definitely not.
I'm guessing but this is probably an old miner's cottage. In the late 1800's gold mining was the main activity in this area.


The railway line in now defunct and has been ripped up - and in its place is the Rail Trail - where cyclists can ride for a few days without the hassle of cars
We drove down the Ida Valley to Oturehua for lunch - this was our hot chocolate and coffee.
Great lunch too. 'Ida Valley Kitchen' if you're in the area. Highly recommended.
After Korea the skies seem so big
There are a few decorated fences in rural areas - some with shoes. But this was bicycles!
The Rapid Numbers are a rural address system - especially for emergency services so the place can be found easily.

And on the way back a quick stop in Clyde - another relic from mining days

And more recently they built the Clyde Dam - the lake (Dunstan Lake)extends miles/kilometres back up the valley to where I am. The wind was particularly blustery and really whipping up the water over the spillway