Where to this time? Our eventual destination is Cambridge, and we left home having a discussion where we would stay tonight. Perhaps Marton? No, not far enough, somewhere further along. Decisions, decisions.
The clouds in the sky looked interesting as we drove towards Sanson, backlit by the wintry sun trying to break through. Will the rain stay away, we wondered? We stopped here to top up with diesel, then virtuously drove right past Viv’s Kitchen without calling in for one of those delicious Chocolate Eclairs. How’s that for willpower?
Cloud formations at Sanson
Just like an excited kid, I’m always so pleased when we are close enough to drive under the Makohine Viaduct. This impressive piece of engineering was constructed across the 228m of bush-clad Makohine Stream valley. Built between 1896 and 1902, the Makohine Viaduct project suffered numerous delays due to soil conditions, flooding, inclement weather, and a steel strike in England. At 72m high the Makohine Viaduct was, when completed, the tallest viaduct in New Zealand. The structure has been upgraded and strengthened in 1932 when heavier locomotives were introduced, and around 1984 in preparation for the railway’s electrification. Perhaps I was an engineer in a former life, because I’m always rather drawn to interesting bridges.
Wet and misty photo of Makohine Viaduct
We had finally come to a decision where to stay for the evening, and pulled in to Gumtree Motorhome Park at 1.00pm. Checking out the sign, I wondered where they keep that koala? A bit too chilly here for them, I imagine.
We’ve arrive
“Find a site and I’ll come and find you” we were told when we phoned the owner, so that’s what we did, parking along the fence line as instructed. All alone so far, unless some latecomers arrive. There have been some changes since we were last here, we remember parking on the grassy bank overlooking the road far below. At $25 a night on power, we think it is good value, and the charge is only $15 a night without power. Extra costs however if you want to use the showers and toilets. Water is available, but no rubbish facilities.
All alone at Gumtree, Taihape
Around the camp
Once we arrive Gemma can hardly wait to get out of the car and into the caravan. Up on the bed she goes for a grooming session then a snooze to get over her jet lag – she’s been travelling over two hours, don't you know. Then she spotted some big nasty magpies out side, they would soon make mincemeat out of our cat, I think.
She enjoys being a caravan cat
What is the translation of the name Taihape? There are a couple of variations. Originally Ōtaihape, ō: place of; tai: angle; hape: crooked; or Place of Taihape (a personal name); or Place of Tai the hunchback. No reason for the name can be given with certainty.
Settlers first took up sections of land at Taihape in 1894. The main trunk railway reached the town in 1904, and through the 20th century the town housed rail workers, as well as catering to local farms and passing rail and road travelers. Who can remember stopping at “Taihape on the Main Trunk Line”, rushing into the cafeteria for a cup of railway tea and a pie while on the overnight express?
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