After our little trip to the mysterious but empty Patearoa, we headed back to Ranfurly, much more civilised and very much alive. An historic town, gold mining again, it is also home to the annual February festival commemorating Ranfurly's art deco heritage. There are heaps of art deco buildings around the town, beautifully restored and well looked after.
The line up. Walter, David and Catherine in front of the Ranfurly Hotel.
Ranfurly, was the lunch stop for the passengers on the Clyde to Dunedin train. It is now a beautiful stop for the cyclists on the Rail Trail.
The old railway station, with garden in front. An information centre and a place for weary cyclists to rest before continuing their journey.
The old tea room and milk bar, where hungry train passengers ate their lunch
The Rail Trail cycle path in front of the old railway station.
Inside the old tea room and milk bar there is now a small museum, with many interesting artifacts, plus a small area selling hand knitted garments, made by the local crafts group. All for a very small price. I bought a scarf and hat for $20.
We ate a most delicious lunch at this small cafe. Very friendly people, as well.
The main street of Ranfurly
And then onwards to our next stop, Ophir.
Ophir is a tiny settlement, with heaps of personality and unaltered historic buildings. It started off as a gold mining town in the 1860s, and at its height was the commercial and social centre for the area. But then the gold dwindled and the railway line was put through Omakau, not far away. Ophir more or less fell into obscurity, which probably saved its historic buildings, as there was no one to knock them down, or modernise them.
An old wooden store. There was a small stall in front, with an honesty box, selling home made soap. I bought one bar as I could not resist the beautiful citrus perfume of the soap. I hope it works as well as it smells.
The old courthouse, now a private home.
The old post office, which still opens for three hours every day. The most photographed building in the town apparently.
The rocks holding the iron roof down on one building. Nails are perhaps short in supply there. I would not like to be under the roof on a windy day though.
We loved the goat. Very friendly, but then he was on the other side of the fence.
A most interesting day.
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