HIstory, Beauty and an Electric Fence

This was the weekend of the Central Hawkes Bay Festival and the weather gods did their good work - two glorious days of spring freshness and clarity that made everything look like the best polaroid picture you could imagine. I had the best intentions of mucking in with the locals at Waipukurau on Saturday but that wasn't to be - so I missed the main street festivities but I did get to Pukeora Estate - a one time sanitorium now working towards a more regal existence as a conference and accommodation venue. There is a LOT of work to do. The location is amazing and the photos here show the view from the hilltop on which Pukeora is located. The vineyards are those of the local brew Sanhill. There were about 90 stalls taking up all sorts of nooks and crannies throughout the maze of buildings sporting everything from homemade babies clothes to wine and gourmet delights. Something of a Farmers Market meets the local fair. It was interesting but not arresting.


What was truly great was the drive to and from the Festival. Ongaonga is a small township that has embraced its history and preserved some of yesteryear's architecture - including the renowned "thunderbox" - the outside loo. The local museum opens between 2-4pm on Sundays and is obviously operated by locals. I came past a little before opening time and found them sprucing the place up - not sure whether they were expecting hordes or not.

A little further down the round is Tikokino. Historical again and the source of some great 'red shed' examples for my upcoming collection. And the countryside was dotted with lots of lambs dutifully looking for a free feed from mum. The countryside at its best. Delightful.

THE BEST.......once again the grandeur of the landscape and the green, green grass of home.

THE WORST....old ladies at country fairs who think they can stand in the middle of corridors nattering about everything and anything and then get annoyed when you gently move them aside. God help me when I get there.

I'M LEARNING......when you are leaning on a fence and wonder why your arm is jerking uncontrollably, it's not the early signs of Parkinson's Disease, it's the fact you're leaning on an electric fence. No permanent damage done, I hope, but it did get down to my toes before I realised what was happening. Slow learner!