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Friday, April 28, 2017

Knitting and Traveling

I’m one of those people who like to knit on the car – as a passenger, of course, not while I’m driving.  Not all knitters can cope with knitting as  a passenger, but it doesn’t really bother me at all.  In fact, it stops me worrying about such things as the truck in front, and will that car at the intersection pull out in front of us when he shouldn’t, all those types of things.  If I concentrate on my knitting, I can leave the driving to Robin, without me worrying about the “what ifs”.

We have been on our latest road trip for the last week.  The weather has been glorious, warm sunny Autumn weather, and best of all, no wind.  There’s been a little stitching done, but nothing finished to show, just yet.

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Our travelling has taken us about 700km so far and we have seen some lovely sights.  Such as this glorious morning view of Mt Ruapehu.  There’s something about mountains – so majestic.

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Mt Ruapehu

We had heard tell of a horse sculpture made entirely of horse shoes tucked away in a tiny place in the middle of nowhere – certainly well worth a visit.   Off we went, along a steep, windy, narrow country road for 18km to finally arrive at Kaitieke.  Sponsored by the Wheeler Family and the local community, the sculpture was erected in 2015, the Year of the Horse.  It commemorates the horse history in Kaitieke and the ANZAC Centenary, acknowledging the contribution by horses to mankind in earlier times of war and agriculture.

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Made entirely from horse shoes

And visited our favourite diner in Hamilton – stepping back in time to when things were simpler, and the music of our youth.  With an American Hot Dog and a ice cream soda, we could almost have been 15 again.

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Happy Days in Hamilton

We’ve seen foggy mornings, when the tendrils of mist encompass the landscape.

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A beautiful misty morning

And seen glorious sunsets, full of glowing colour.

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And glowing sunsets

We are currently at our destination of Bowentown, in Waihi, to take part in the inaugural Leisureline Owners Club Rally.  All sorts of interesting things have been planned, and then we will be taking another five days or so to drive back home.  Who knows what else we will see?

6 comments:

Maria said...

what gorgeous scenery and eatery you are visiting..

Tired Teacher said...

I love reading about your adventures. The horse sculpture would definitely be worth the winding roads, but the scenery is gorgeous!

When I'm traveling with someone, I usually knit, too.

Nancy J said...

I hadn't realised there was so much snow this early in the year, Kaiteke? I hadn't heard of that place, what a great sculpture, and to remember the horses from those years, very special, and your sunset, glorious. Enjoy Bowentown and the get-together.

crazyquilter said...


Lovely to see your comments on your last round of travel - especially the different view of Mr Ruapehu.
I used to love knitting while travelling - the long bus route from Tauranga to Auckland was always a good excuse to get some knitting done. Sadly, if I knit these days I seem to get a pinched nerve in my back so I have had to give it away.

However, this autumn, I have decided to pick up my crochet hook and give that a go and it seems to be working for me. Lovely to be creative in another away and especially in the evenings when I would not be sewing anyway. I am just making tiny things like beanies and booties for preemie babies - a bit of fun.

We lived in Kati Kati when growing up so Bowentown is a familiar name. I hope you enjoy your time there.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Some happy reading of your posts, Jenny. Love that pottery poppy; I'd love one too.
You have captured the beauty of your country in your photos. I loved seeing the horse sculpture; I've read how many horses have died in wars...in the millions. A fitting tribute for sure. Yes Anzac day...such an important commemoration. Happy Travels to you and Robin!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous! Wish I were there, too!