Thursday 22 December 2011

An interesting safari.

Alfredton.

After a very peaceful night alongside the Mangatainoka river it was time to move on. We had several options of which route to take to get to our next stop over.  The route we chose was the Pahiatua – Pongoroa road halfway between Mangatainoka and Pahiatua.

A turf roof spotted on the Pahiatua - Pongoroa RoadA turf roof spotted on the Pahiatua - Pongoroa Road

Funny place for an armchair. Note the steps up to it.Funny place for an armchair. Note the steps up to it.

The scenery was spectacular as we climbed up over the Puketoi Ranges passing through the Makuri Gorge scenic reserve  and the Puketoi Conservation area. The only down side was two ignorant truck drivers who had no idea what slow down means. They were both towing trailers and felt that it was their God given right to charge on flat out forcing me off the road to avoid a collision.

Views along the Pahiatua - Pongoroa Road. Quite a high elevation.Views along the Pahiatua - Pongoroa Road. Quite a high elevation.

Cute little school bus shelter at the farm gate.Cute little school bus shelter at the farm gate.

Once we reached Pongaroa we turned onto SH52 which we assumed would be a better road. Wrong! For much of it’s length the road was narrower than the road we had just travelled over and with no road markings except in a few places where road improvements had taken place. Still we were in no hurry so we just took it quietly and thankfully didn’t meet any more trucks except one when we were all stopped by a farmer moving a mob of lambs across the road.

Held up by a mob of lambs being moved.Held up by a mob of lambs being moved.

I don't think this phone box is operational!I don't think this phone box is operational!

We arrived at Alfredton Domain in time for lunch in glorious sunshine which is good for the solar panel and the batteries. The only facilities here are toilets and water.

Alfredton founded 1873.Alfredton founded 1873.

Alfredton Domain.Alfredton Domain all on our lonesome.

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