An Unplanned Hike in Arrowtown 2

Post 2

The last post was cut when we were feeding the birds, while resting on the grass under a tree. It was time we start for our next plan, the HIKE. Hiking in New Zealand has another term, TRAMPING.     . I told you earlier we had a plan to do some walking, there are clear marks where the trails are and the time needed to finish them. So we ventured on one, that which needs thirty minutes. We envision it is only on the low plains near the Arrowtown River, we ventured on the left.

the walking maps at the start of the trails

We agreed to try hiking, which the New Zealanders call tramping, just the short one since our legs are not primed to do that. However, there is a very clear way to the roadside and we ventured on that track first. It says there are art houses, so we braved the very hot sun along the road.

At least in Arrowtown, even if the sun is shining bright, the temperature is still a bit cold. We didn't remove our beanies and our sweaters. My sister's name is Emily and we didn't let this label without her photo.

Views are lovely along the road, and we passed by some private houses with nicely landscaped, trimmed gardens. I enjoyed the beautifully flowering hedges.

 We also crossed a few small bridge and found some bikers on the road.

After about 10 min walk we saw this Gallery, but we didn't enter. Instead we played with the dog that hastily welcomed us at the gate. The owner could be inside and his dog assistant is well-trained to entertain visitors. What a beautiful landscape!

 my dream natural landscape to live

We continued walking through the hot sideroad till we saw this wonderful rocky landscape. We both agreed that this is our dream house setting, a medium height rocky mountain at the background, with lush colorful flowers. The entrance walk was long so again we didn't enter, but appreciated the well maintained garden just at the gate. I had a lot of photos here, as this seems to be paradise. The low house fits very well as part of the big landscape. We both feel envious to the owner of this property, he surely knows where to stay as inspiration to create fine arts.

At last i was able to see and touch a hedge of lavender, which i always just see in pictures. 

Another gallery on this road is named David John Gallery, i assumed he sells paintings and prints. 

We like to enter but that will lessen our time for tramping, so we decided to continue walking and find the start of the walk we intend the first time.

There was someone on a horse, wow, and her male companion was on a bike! We were thinking that maybe only one horse was available for rent when they needed it. Those profusely flowering yellow bushes are very prominent vegetation in these areas. I know it is invasive, but it definitely beautifies the total landscape in these areas.

 Eventually, we went back in less than an hour. We looked for the trail forking near us, to go to the real tramping track we intended to take. We  encountered this very tall Bombax tree shedding the white flower parts on the vicinity. My sister covered her face because these are allergens.

The ground is already covered with the shedding flower parts, just like dry snow. That's how we call it in the tropics, because we definitely don't experience snow. Our tree in the tropics is however called kapok, also a cousin of this species. Kapok is our old traditional bedding material.

 We also crossed this small very clear and clean brook. We didn't see the river but definitely this is flowing there. We wondered if it is also a part where gold panning was done in the 19th century. This area developed because of the gold rush.

Above is the beginning of our real trail track, which needs at least 30 min one way. I assure you we didn't finish it in one hour. A lot of things happened on the way, you will be surprised! And this escapade continues for the next part of my post. Stay tuned.

Nature Notes

Our World Tuesday

Outdoor Wednesday

NF Trees and Bushes