Into March

We left the beach at the beginning of February, after a little hiccup where I missed booking the campervan on the ferry to the South Island. Just 2 passengers!!! We managed to get a sailing but it was a week later. For those of you that know me, you won’t be surprised. I’m not good on detail.

The best thing when you are away is to take time to sketch. It doesn’t have to be hours but sometimes it’s just a 2 minute wash of shapes and colour.

When my friend gave me fabric that I could use as curtains I was very excited. One quiet day I got fabric paint and painted the cream curtains to remind us of where we went.

We stopped in the Rai Valley near Nelson and visited this little settlers cottage.

Another special day was catching salmon. Ok, in a salmon farm but still fun!

We walked the Heaphy track!!! Admittedly only about 800m but it was amazing and I could have walked more, but not that day.

One of my favourite books is Denniston Rose by Jenny Pattrick. A novel about a young girl living up at Denniston mine. This is the view from the top of the incline that the cars used to drop from, full of coal for export from Greymouth. An amazing way of life for the real life miners and families who lived there.

This area was so special. Beautiful scenes like this of the sun going down at Lake Brunner.

Special friends welcomed us at Manapouri, where I had a very cold swim but could see the bottom of the lake in clear water.

At Manapouri I did an impromptu workshop with some very enthusiastic participants. I’m booked to go back there next year to do more workshops. Can’t wait!!

After Manapouri we followed the coast down to Invercargill. My most special place was a little bay called Cozy Nook.

In Invercargill the camp admin place was the “piece” of a boat. I thought it the ultimate in recycling!!

I love the architecture of Invercargill, especially the churches.

We have more time in the South Island so I’ll be able to finish the saga with lots more sketches for you.

I’d love your feedback.

Ka kite ano

Pamela