Gold MineTrail

    The Taranaki beaches were crowded with on-lookers, last Sunday.  There had been coastal warnings for New Zealand residents about the earthquake in Chile.  Everyone, including boaters and surfers were warned to stay out of the water.  It was a waiting game to see what impact there would be.

     After Sunday church, we headed out to join the crowds at the local beach.  No, it was much a do about nothing.  The Tasman Sea looked as beautiful as ever with no changes from our vantage point.

         Earlier in the week, there had been alot of excitment about American cars.  The Kiwis were crazy about old cars from the States.  There were American flags, parades, and 700-800 vintage American automobiles driving around the mountain.

    








Oops-ya get the idea.



      Later in the day, Al and I headed out to the Old Boar Mine Trail.  Gabe opted to stay home.  He was sore from gymnastics.  Plus, he wanted a break from his parents. It was time well spent in the backcountry with the dairy cows and the famous NZ sheep.

     Further down the trail, we reached the site of the old abondoned mine.  It looked in pretty good shape despite the warning sign.  We were pretty much alone on the trail until we nearly bumped into a trail runner.   

     Darn, we forgot the head lamps (too bad for me).  Al poked his head down further but he decided to pass. The next day at work, some co-workers shared that they made it to the end of the mine with their flashlights.  There was "no gold in them there hills".