I guess the italics are my signature now - that's Barb speaking.
With all the gorgeous scenery, the seascapes, mountains and gorges, I decided we needed a little balance in this journey with a visit to 'Olveston', the Theomin family's historic Dunedin home this morning.
The quotation on David Theomin's personal book plate, 'Let things be done shipshape and Bristol fashion' is ever present as you view his home built between 1904-06. As the brochure says, it is a masterpiece of modernity featuring central heating, an in-house telephone system, a shower and even heated towel rails!
The Theomins had two children, Edward who died in 1928 and Dorothy who died in 1966. It was Dorothy who bequeathed the house and all its contents to Dunedin town and eventually to a Trust who took it over. You walk in to see their house as if they had only stepped out for a moment. Every little thing just as it was. Absolutely fascinating. And I have to say a real treat.
However, our time was up in Dunedin, so on the road again. This time headed for Oamaru.
Along the way we stopped at Shag Point ( I know Steve would have something to say about that name, but I couldn't possibly comment). The draw was a colony of fur seals - lots of them on a craggy outcrop on rock with crashing waves to add drama. We watched as the young frolicked and the oldsters found the perfect spot for sleeping. And after lunch of sandwiches, Pringles and juice, I have to say this 'oldster' also took a short nap with a warm breeze wafting through the windows and the sound of waves and birds a lulling song.
Our next stop were the boulders at Moeraki. A weird thing you would think to stop for, but these boulders, strewn along the seashore below cliffs are perfectly round! And that is weird. There have been many explations for them, none proven however. They sort of look like huge billiard balls, half a tall as me, just waiting for some giant to picked them up for the next game - maybe at night when no one is watching.
Well, here we are in Oamaru - early for us at 4pm. We've just checked in at the campsite and booked to see the penguins tonight as they arrive back on shore - takes about an hour to see them all come in, so more stories tomorrow sports fans!
Speaking of sports, things always happen when we go away - how about Norwich then sacking Glenn Roeder! Hope springs eternal.
Sleep well, we will.
Great posting, Barb. Thoughts about the sights you are enjoying on your travels will help to brighten my drive down the A1 to Stevenage today...
ReplyDeleteThis morning the EDP suggested that Norwich had been considering approaching Worthington again but have been refused permission to contact him by the Irish FA. Worthington himself is reported as saying that he feels he has moved on. I think most of us want to see a fresh face at the club. Thanks for taking the time to upload the photos for us all to enjoy - will leave some more of them with Stew's mum at the week-end. She's enjoying sharing in your adventures!