We woke to find the Reefton Racecourse enveloped in mist, mist as far as we see – what a strange eerie sight it was and so different from yesterday’s bright sunshine.
Following the Buller River along the Upper Buller Gorge, the mist hung low amongst the trees. The huge scar on the side of the hill reminded us of the massive Inangahua earthquake which shook this region 40 years or so ago. It is amazing that after all this time the slip is still highly visible and the regrowth has not yet grown over it. Further along, a sign stated “High Vehicles, check height”. Newton Bridge was coming up fast and any trucks over the allowable height would have to turn around, and drive all the way back to Westport. At 4.45 metres, it would have to be a very high truck indeed which would be affected.
Crossing over the Matakitaki Bridge we rolled into Murchison, our stop for the next couple of nights. The “Welcome” sign shows that Murchison is hunting, fishing, boating type of place.
It didn’t take too long for the three of us to settle in to our camp site, the NZMCA POP just a stone throw from the main shopping street. This area has recently been extended, and offers hard standing sites, water and a dump station. The sun had come out and it looked like we were in for a nice afternoon.
When we arrive at a new town, we like to check out the Info Centre to see what attractions there are on offer. Outside the centre is a large piece of “Ringstone”, a rare form of granite formed 230 million years ago. This interesting rock is composed of orbicular granite, and the rings are formed by uneven cooling of the molten granite.
Seems there is plenty of rafting and jet boating on offer, but this is a bit too adventurous for us. Perhaps a walk uptown to check out the old buildings. How about this lovely old Commercial Stables building? We could just imagine the stage coaches pulling out of those large gates, ready to carry a full load of passengers and freight along the narrow windy Buller Gorge.
Another interesting old building in town with a story to tell was the old pub with bullet holes in the door jamb. In the 1930s Jack McKeaney was taking his loaded gun out of his car, and the gun went off. Unfortunately a local lawyer Mr Marshall was entering the pub and was struck by several pellets, causing minor damage. after the furore had died down, the holes in the door jamb became part of Murchison folklore. Poor Mr Marshall however, had to endure a lifetime of pain and discomfort from the pellets in his body.
The sunshine was short lived and we had to scurry back to camp from our wander around town as the rain came down once again. Not surprising really, as the weather forecast has promised bad weather for the next few days.
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