Clyde, Central Otago

A few very enjoyable days in Clyde, Central Otago, visiting David and Catherine.  Much warmer up there too, although it is bitterly cold in the winter, surrounded by all the mountains.

We went on quite a few long walks, and after all the delicious food we have eaten, it was also a way to work off a few kilos.

In the photograph below, Walter and Catherine watched David clamber up the old signals post on the Rail Trail.

As it was spring there were plenty of sheep and lambs around.

And vineyards.  Excellent wine growing area.   The Pinot Noir is one of the best I have tasted in that variety.

We walked from Alexandra to Clyde, 8 kms, on the Rail Trail.   There was once a railway line from Dunedin to Clyde, which closed in 1990, except for the section between Middlemarch and Dunedin.   The railway lines were removed, and it became a very popular cycling trail.   It covers a distance of 150 kms, with plenty of hotels and cafes along the way.   I think it takes about four days to cycle the whole way.

The railway platform at Alexandra.  The railway station was removed as it was falling into disrepair.

A few llamas, standing innocently in a paddock.  Such pretty faces but I believe they can be quite vicious.

David inspected an old truck, which was for sale.   Quite a lot work is needed to restore it though.   A task for a very keen person.

An old wooden railway bridge over a gully.  Sides were added to the bridge when the Rail Trail was developed, as no train would have been able to travel over this narrow bridge, if there were sides.   It was called Mutton Bridge as sheep were killed here during gold rush days, and sold to the miners.

The wooden sides and framework of the bridge.

The Rail Trail.

The thyme was out in full bloom.   Thyme was grown in Clyde at the end of the 18th century, and there was a substantial industry extracting the oils from it.  It has now spread everywhere, even up into the surrounding hills.

Walter, David and Lucy, the dog, walking along the track.

We also walked into the small township of Clyde, which has a number of very old buildings.

The old courthouse, now a private residence.

A very upmarket restaurant, cafe and boutique brewery, Olivers.   We ate a most delicious meal there on Catherine's birthday.

A wool shop.  Beautiful colours, and textures.  I could have spent quite a bit of money in that shop.

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Yellow poppies, growing wild.  Very pretty.  Himalayan poppies we think.  Definitely not a native flower.

The dam at Clyde releasing some of its water, in a grand waterfall.

Very old stonework on the bridge below.

We also went for a walk along the Clutha River, amongst European trees.   One wonders where all the native trees and plants have gone.  No doubt removed by the first European settlers intent on making parts of New Zealand a home away from home.   It was a lovely walk, all the same.

One of the neighbouring gardens, full of roses and spring flowering shrubs. A labour of love.

Whitebait for dinner.  A New Zealand delicacy.   The whitebaiting has nearly finished, and people's nets have gathered plenty, although no whitebaiter will admit to this, in case someone takes their spot.   The tiny white fish are cooked in an egg mixture.   Delicious.

Brian came to stay the night, and it was lovely to see him again.  As well as the whitebait fritters Catherine cooked crumbed fish.  New Zealand fish is mouth wateringly good.

  

The twins together, my brothers, David and Brian.  No arguments either, not like the times when we were children.  Grown up people now.