Eva was busy in the kitchen from early morning making us some French toasts.
We then began our travel on the 85 km long Clutha Gold Trail from Lawrence towards Roxburgh.
Shortly after Lawrence we passed the Chinamen's cottages from the gold rush era 150 years ago. This was the only restored building.
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| The Pukeko or Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus). |
This proudly looking large bird marched in front of us on the trail – until it took to its small and rather ineffective wings.
This old homestead was probably what a real estate dealer would call a good offer to any do-it-yourself carpenter looking for a quiet place in the countryside.
As usual we spotted quite a few Kaahu / Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans) circling the landscape but this one came close enough to allow a photo of respectable quality.
This mellow mare is for our granddaughter Abelone to enjoy.
Achieving the summit of the Gold Trail was 'celebrated' with a 440 m long, dark and wet tunnel ...
... and once we were on the other side of the tunnel it was all downhill – and more sheep farms.
The name alone of this village along the trail made us decide to stop for some coffee. However, we were thoroughly disappointed about the amenities and we quickly deserted this misnomer.
The trail now followed the Clutha River and we enjoyed the gurgling water sounds accompanying our pedaling.
A strange and ominous-looking cloudscape was brewing above our heads ...
... but the weather stayed dry.
Around noon the sun came out and we picnicked alongside a tiny, derelict shelter with a bench appropriately placed.
This was our view while lunching. God only knows how many years have passed since this vehicle was last auto-mobile.
Warm and sunny weather prevailed during the remaining 1-2 hours before we reached our overnight destination "The Quince" just outside the township of Miller's Flat.
We were heartily welcomed and served some afternoon tea and homemade cake.
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| Fruits of Quince / Kvæde (Cydonia oblonga). |
The B&B owners were ardent gardeners and had a big and very productive vegetable section as well as several old quince trees with lots of (yet unripe) fruits.
This rose in the garden had the looks very similar to a quince flower.
. . .
In the evening we were treated to a deluxe gourmet dinner and by 9 p.m. we called it a day.
