Sunrise from Michelle and Derek's home overlooking Karaka Bay - Wellington NZ
Slideshow of my walk on the 'Harrogate Ringway'
Over the last week I have added another footpath to my daily exercise walk. I am walking from home as we are required to avoid any unnecessary travel. My initial route is always down to the ford and Spruisty Bridge. However when I reach the end of Knox Mill Lane I now have the choice of two routes. I can go up and along Grainbeck Lane (see photo slideshow in my earlier blog) or now I can follow the 'Harrogate Ringway' walk up into the local countryside. This leads past Grange Farm and eventually down to Skipton Road. Above is a slideshow of photos I have taken over the last few days on this route.
Another view from the verandah of Michelle and Derek's home in Wellington.
* photo courtesy of 'Pixabay' as free download.
Another early morning view from the verandah of Michelle and Derek's home
overlooking Karaka Bay in Wellington. You can see the Inter-Island ferry
on its way to the South Island.
Michelle and Derek
View of Wellington Harbour and Karaka Bay on our morning walk around the local area.
Panoramic view of Wellington from Mount Victoria.
'Te Papa' is Maori for 'Our Place' and 'Te Papa Tongarewa' translates as 'Container of Treasures'. It was pleasing to learn that Te Papa's philosophy emphasises the 'living face' behind its many treasures with deep ancestral links to the Maori people. We enjoyed a couple of hours exploring the museum.
Michelle and Aaron were particularly keen to show us the world famous 'Gallipoli' exhibition. It is appropriate that I am uploading this blog today, 25th April 2020, as it is ANZAC Day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) in remembrance of those who lost their lives at Gallipoli in 1915/16 and other conflicts.
Te Papa joined forces with the Weta Workshops (Susie, Alan and I were to visit the Weta Workshop the next day!) to create an awesome ground-breaking exhibition that tells the story of the Gallipoli Campaign in World War One. Through the eyes and words of eight ordinary New Zealanders we find out about their experiences in extraordinary circumstances.
'Te Taiao' . . . Te Papa's interactive 'I am nature . . . nature is me!' exhibition zone.
'Stott' cousins together . . . Aaron, David and Michelle!!
'Weta Workshops' . . . famous 'special effects + props' studios in Wellington.
'Hobbit feet' . . . . Bilbo Baggins! made by Weta Workshops
David and Alan in the cockpit of Thunderbird 2!
David at the upper terminus of the Wellington Cable Car
I liked Wellington. It is a compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and the colourful timber houses on the surrounding hills. It has a 'good cosmopolitan vibe' with great coffee shops, museums, art galleries, sports facilities and a very positive 'life-style'.
The Wellington Cable Car is a funicular railway, built in 1902, climbing from Lambton Quay, which is the central business district of Wellington, to Kelburn which is a residential area in the hills above the city. The cable car takes you up 120 metres above the city in just five minutes. Exiting the summit station you find yourself at the entrance to the Wellington Botanic Garden.
Susie and Alan in the Wellington Botanic Garden
Derek, Alan, Susie and Michelle on our coastal walk to Point Dorset
Susie and 'Dad' at Point Dorset looking out to the Cook Strait and the Pacific Ocean beyond!
Just enough time for a coffee before going to the airport!!
Our lunchtime flight from Wellington to Christchurch was on time! During the flight we had awesome views of the snow-capped Southern Alps! The mountains of the South Island were plastered with fresh snow from the recent Winter snowfall. We were so excited at the prospect of picking up our camper-van for the next leg of our adventures in the 'Land of the Long White Cloud'.
Flying parallel to the east coast of the South Island with fantastic view of the Southern Alps
Take care everyone!
My thoughts and prayers to everyone in New Zealand on this 'ANZAC' Day.
I would love to hear from you either by commenting directly to this blog or by secure email as outlined in the 'Contact' section of my website.
David