Not sure if it was planned this way or if it just happened but we have been staying at one pub after another lately. First it was the Star Tavern at Cape Foulwind, and from there we moved to the Pines Tavern in Fairdown.
The Pines
Our welcoming committee at The Pines was a whole gaggle of cheeky wekas. These native birds are also known as wood hens, and possessing only small rounded wings, they are flightless birds like the kiwi. Visiting our campsite they made little “peeping” calls as the walked around looking for something to eat. They were happy to eat some biscuit crumbs, but Robin wasn’t at all pleased when one of them went rat-tat-tat on our plastic water tank attached to the underneath of the caravan.
The wekas came calling
On site at the Pines Tavern
From here we continued north up SH67 to the Seddonville Tavern, which also serves as a Post Office and a country store. There used to be an old coal mine in the area, and quite possibly that is where the former coal wagons, now used as planters in front of the tavern, originated from. This township was originally known by the names Durham and Bayfields Flat in the early years. But after a visit by Premier “King Dick” Seddon in 1903, the name was changed to Seddonville.
Seddonville Tavern
There is a nice little grassed area nearby for caravans and motor homes with power, water, ablution block, as well as a washing machine and clothesline available for guests. Luckily there was just room for the three of us to park up for the night.
On site at Seddonville Tavern
A retired working sheep dog kept us amused as he tried to get the resident cat to do what he wanted. But the cat had other ideas and wasn’t at all intimidated.
Not as easy as working with sheep
Then the dog fixed his eye on Muffy through our screen door. They were both watching each other intently, and neither was moving.
Muffy and the retired sheep dog
The gentle “cluck, cluck” of hens came over the hedge and they all ran quickly up to the fence to see me when I threw a few crusts over for them. The crusts made me their best friend for a minute or so, but once the food was gone they moved on to go about their chooky business once again.
Any more crusts?
This is a lovely little spot in the country, off the beaten track so we won’t be bothered by the roar of passing traffic. And our evening meal is all sorted, as the tavern offers fish and chips on their menu. We wandered over and joined the locals in the bar. There is a tradition on Friday nights at the Seddonville Tavern when patrons have the chance to get a drink for free. As ours were poured, out came a couple of dice and we were asked, “Odds or Even’s?” Robin and I, Geoff and Pauline all won free drinks each, and Dot and Derek just had to pay for one out of two. So it was a very cheap round. Our meals were delicious, two had steak and chips, two had hamburgers, and the other two had fish. The locals were very chatty and talked about another off road trip we could do. This is such a nice spot that we have decided to stay another night on our way back from Karamea.
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