Hamilton, Tues-Jan-19

Today we drove to Cambridge, NZ’s equine capital. Stud farms abound. The importance of breeding to the local economy is reflected in horse statues and the Equine Stars Walk of Fame; no hoof prints but an embedded likeness of the famous horse! Charisma is the most famous, a 2-time Olympic show-jumping champion. We toured downtown, visited the local museum, and then lunched at a sidewalk bistro. The food, coffee and town are the best so far! We continued SE another 25K to the town of Tirau. I-Site host pointed out local items of interest, including a private museum and an old swing bridge across the Waikato River. He had Tom’s interest when he heard the museum had old trackers, cars and motorbikes.
The museum is owned/operated by a 3rd generation “bee-keeper” and seller of clover honey. Now in semi-retirement he decided to open his collection of “rubbish” (his terminology) to the public. Steam engines, munitions, antique vehicles, old motorcycles, farm tractors, mock-ups of general stores, sewing machines, dental chairs and municipal record books have all found a home in his 13,000 sq. ft. garage. Most are local, salvaged, not restored; adding a strong sense of history. He gave us a personal tour, pointing out the displays we must view, entertaining us with stories to match. “My head is filled with useless information”, he said. Sound familiar Lewis? We snooped around while he tended to his bees. I snapped Tom’s photo with a pristine 1951 Calendar!dare I say "Monday's Child is fair of face"!
After a long good-bye from this entertaining fellow, we used back road directions to Arapuni; his birthplace & the home of a 1920 swing bridge over Waikato River, NZ’s longest running waterway. The river gorge drops about 300 ft. but seems higher as the bridge sways just from the footfalls of other pedestrians. A large sign warned that no running or jumping was allowed on the bridge; maximum of 30 and no horses or motorcycles. Charming.........
Did I mention that NZ has an abundance of 1-lane bridges? These are interesting, especially when one can’t see if there is oncoming traffic before venturing across. You trust that everyone is obeying the right-of-way signs; especially those foreign tourists! A successful day’s excursion.........