Monday 15 May 2023

Fishing and a family wedding - Mar 2023

 




Twizel in all its beauty

It was time to head back to one of our favoured fishing spots, although it would be fair to say we do prefer sea fishing, but Twizel isn't a bad place to hang out.  The fish weren't really biting, at least not for us, so we just enjoyed the scenery and the company.  We did catch enough salmon to feed ourselves over the week but were hoping to catch enough to take to the family.  Alas, not.

At least there were autumn mushrooms to eat


This young lady had a broken wing and was more
than happy to have our company.  Especially when 
we took to feeding her oats.


It soon came time to head back down to Dunedin where Clare's nephew was getting married.  The family descended en masse!

Clare with her siblings and their Mum

Clare's Mum with all her grandsons 
(including a grandson-in-law)

The three youngest of their respective
generations - Clare, her nephew Jack 
and his nephew Thomas

Special times ... Clare's Mum meeting
her youngest great grandson, Thomas,
for the first time

The next day, some of the family, James included, went to watch Fiji get trounced by Otago at the rugby.  This is Ben watching with his Dad and Grandad.



Every one of the family was there, including a niece who had flown in from London for a few days, especially for the occasion.  It was a very special time together after the loss of Clare's Dad last year.  

James and Dora getting ready for
the onslaught of family arrivals

Ben being encouraged by James
to play with his food!

Younger brother Jack following suit

It soon came time for everyone to disperse and we headed off on a road trip to Karamea for a three month sit.  We had intended to stop in the Lewis on our way through the pass but it started snowing so we decided to just push on through and stayed at Lake Brunner for the night instead.


Lake Brunner

We also stayed the night at one of our other favourite fishing spots on the west coast, Charleston.

By day and by night













Lake Hawea highlights - Feb 2023

 

The inimitable Lola

Heading north to our next sit in Lake Hawea, we had a few days to spare so we stopped in to visit the farm at Scotts Gap on our way through.  We thought we would just stop in for a cuppa and a hug with the dogs but ended up staying for a few days to help out on the farm.  James helped with the dagging of he sheep and Clare ran the farm dogs and played with the puppies.  It's a tough life, but someone has to do it!!!

Back on the road we pulled up beside the river in a few different spots and fished and knitted.

The views really are something else!

Arriving at Lake Hawea we were lucky enough to be staying in a gorgeous house, built by the owners, right on the lakeside with the wonderful Lola to keep us company for a couple of weeks.


Our days consisted of walking Lola up and down the lake a few times a day.  She was always willing to show the way!


There is always something going on.  The lake is
one of the windier places in the area and the locals
sure know how to take advantage of it.

Beach art

El fresco dining anyone?

Lola also enjoyed our fishing adventures.  She has her own style, that's for sure.


A trout and two salmon for the table


She also thoroughly enjoyed helping James find some treasure around the lake.  She took this roll very seriously, even in favour of going for a walk!


And when the day was done and dusted, there was always time for snuggles in bed.