New Zealand Vacation

Wednesday, February 7:
Christchurch

We visited Ferrymeade, a historical village depicting New Zealand life of a mix of eras. The place seems to be run as a place where amateur enthusiasts in various bygone equipment and endeavors are given space and minimal funding to ply their pastimes. Old airplanes. Old trains. Old movies. Old farm equipment. Old buildings. Fire engines. Trolley cars. It was a random collection of Stuff, some being restored piecemeal by enthusiastic & skilled volunteers desperate for interested patrons to share their enthusiasm. We encountered Malcolm, an Estes organ fancier, who, when he discovered that Jenny lived near Brattleboro Vermont, and had actually been inside the Estes factory where they were made, practically cried in happiness over finding someone who had some connection to his hobby. We found one guy in an immense hanger of aircraft and pieces of aircraft in various states of disrepair, who practically snatched me by the arm to show off his DeHaviland Mosquito in advanced state of dry rot and the two spare Allison V-12 engines he had. I was suitably impressed.

We drove back the long way over Summit Road, which traced the crest of a ridge of mountains overlooking Christchurch and the bay. At a scenic spot I napped in the car while Jenny walked.

Basil, whom we had met in Waihi Bush had invited us to dinner. He’s quite the cook, and takes great pleasure in putting on a good feed. We also met Elizabeth’s dog Rusty, the first NZ dog I encountered that acted like a dog. Most were passing indifferent to me. Basil, Jenny, and I traded recitations and songs into the night.