#2 Catching Up, Heading Out in NZ.

Owen and Glynnis Poad were our hosts from Friday through Sunday; a friendship developed over the years through our visits here.  They are owners of Majacraft. 

Patsy’s Saturday workshop was very well received.  Sunday, she visited a mall, wrote new proposals for workshops, and started on two articles for magazines. 

Owen had other plans for me.  An adventure boating up the Kaituna River. 

He had his inflatable, and his friend had a small 14 ft outboard.  Up the river we went.  A beautiful ride seeing farmlands, brush and greens.  All in all, we spent 3 hours on the water.

That evening we had wonderful conversation about their systems of government and health care, and comparing and contrasting it with that in the states.  I noticed that their life expectancy is longer than ours.  Some in the states say that a national health plan would lower our expectancy since we would not have access to everything, and boards would determine what care we can get.  The system here in NZ and statistics do not bear this out.  They are about 5 years ahead of us in life expectancy.  They also have a central bargaining for prescriptions that dramatically reduces the cost of medicines.  This makes me all the more in favor of some kind of national health system in the USA.

Monday morning, we were back at the guild for some simple, relaxing, spinning time for Patsy.

Later on Monday we were off to stay with other friends, Pat and Gordon Old.  Pat is a very well-known spinner, weaver, and someone who has immersed herself in the Maori culture and arts.    We long have been friends, and her energy and expertise is always a boost for Patsy.  They live on and run a kiwi fruit farm.  It is simply a beautiful place to be.  We would travel on Tuesday to see her exhibition that just opened in Rotorua.  Here are a few pics.

The view from the "throne" is very relaxing! 

Pat Old's beautiful work. A contimporary take on a traditional Maori ceremonial robe.

At the exhibition, Patsy was honored to weave some weft stitches on a sacred ceremonial Maori robe at the invitation of Cori Marsters, the artist.  The dangles represent ancestors that they carry with them when they wear the garment.

Tuesday evening, the Poad’s allowed us to use their bach (translates to cabin in the hills) near Okere Falls, just above Rotorua.  A quiet place to re-group.

Wednesday, today, we traveled from Rotorua, through Taupo and into Napier.  One spectacular drive.  Again, some pics.

Taupo had, as they boasted, the world's most unique McDonalds; it has on its lot and for your eating pleasure an old DC-3 plane you can board and have your Micky D's.

But, alas, Taupo had its own beauty too.

Between Taupo and Napier, we were cruising along the road and saw a simple sing that said: Scenic View.  We needed a short break and was expecting some nice vista, but low and behold was the most beautiful waterfall: 

Now we are tucked into our next lodging in Napier

Tomorrow, Thursday, we will explore  this city of Napier.  It is known for its Art Deco style buildings that were built after a devastating 7.8 earthquake in 1931.  That’s the teaser for the next installment.