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It rained solidly all night. I stepped out the door during the night, umbrella open, and promptly landed in an ankle deep puddle. I could hear the rushing and booming of the narrow, little creek that ran through the camp, now a raging torrent risen by at least one metre!
Unfortunately, by morning it hadn't improved. Our Pelorus Mail Boat Run was today and with the continuous heavy rain, mist and cloud down to sea level, we decided to postpone til the next day. I rang Captain Jim and he assured me the weather was due to lift by 9 am! Really? Not that I didn't believe him, but tomorrow's forecast is for fine and sunny, so around 11am we're off to Blenheim and Picton. Flooding was everywhere; paddocks totally under water, culverts running alongside the road raging and swollen with rivers swirling and rushing, carrying many branches and debris in its growing swirl.
At Renwick, the state highway was down to one lane. Workmen were trying to clear the floodwaters, with one poor buggar drawing the short straw! He was on the low side of the road, in his waders, up to his chest in muddy water trying to unblock the drains. The traffic was controlled by his (dry) mates, on the top side of the road, with vehicles allowed through super slow. The major issue was that a bow wave of varying height and speed, depending on the size of the vehicle, rushed across the road and almost lapped at the chin of the poor 'short-straw fella'. Couldn't help but laugh at the whole scenario!
A nice drive as the weather started to clear and let some blue sky and sun peek through. The weather continued to improve and by the time we got to Picton the skies were pretty clear and it was turning into beautiful day. Fish and chips and a haircut in Picton, buying a new external vent for the van to replace the one blown off on the West Coast, and we are off back to Blenheim and the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. We opted to go into the World War 1 exhibition - Entitled "Knights of the Sky'
Sir peter Jackson not only houses his collection of planes here, his studios have crafted the most life like sets for the museum. The Great War is brought to life with the incredible sets crafted by his studios. The demise of the Red Barron and his crashed plane is dramatic and the mannequins totally life like. A highlight of our trip and should not be missed. We spent a good hour and a half, or more, browsing and reading the history of each exhibit, which was displayed by country, and marvelling at the huge sets with the planes and mannequins depicting the stories. This totally blew us away! As you look at the photos, you need to realise these are all lifesize and all real aircraft. A blockbuster of the highest order and well done Peter Jackson.
- comments
Col Sonia WOW what a trip you guys are having, awesome blog writer you are Sandy and Bill great photos. wish we were there with you
Sharon Starling Beautiful shot!
Sharon Starling Well you've certainly been through the full gamut of Autumn weather that the South Island has on offer!!