Tonight was a night walk with a twist. I had been waiting patiently for Manawatū Summer Shakespeare. On our walks I have been watching as their team slowly set up shop down by the river. Each time there was a little more prop and intrigue.
Tonight we headed down. It was suggested that we park at the Esplanade train station and there would be a guide to lead us down to the theatre. Through a little hole in the bushes we wend our way down through the bushes, ducking under a branch or too until we found ourselves in an enchanted forest complete with giggling fairies, fairy lights, swings, and fairy folk music. We settled in around the camp fire and waited for the night show to begin. The show was fantastic. Wonderful, animated actors, audience interaction, hilarious fun and thoughtful sets and stage. The campfire was even lit as darkness fell and kept going as part of the story. Just brilliant. 100% recommend! By the end it was very dark and the wander back up to the car was a little more difficult on the unfamiliar pathway... But it was an extremely fun night time adventure! (no photos because they all looked like a big flash of fire light. Check out the official 'gram at https://www.instagram.com/palmyshakespeare/?hl=en)
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Ahimate Reserve is a spot that keeps on giving. There are so many little adventures to have here. Today we went for a walk and ended up spending most of our time hanging out in the shady, cool spots of Bill’s Bush.
Bill’s Bush is a remnant of original totara and a single northern rata, which has been replanted over the years by local residents. Bill Regnault is the Bill in the name. It is near to the Buick Crescent entrance to the reserve area but you you'll find it if you head in that general direction from anywhere in the reserve. Once inside, you'll probably come across plenty of Palmy Rocks - we did and toddler was quite intrigued. Once they became projectiles, I picked them up and hid them for the next person. We wandered along spotting rocks until we came across some little houses that must be for wee fairy folk. We stopped here for snacks and sit. Thank you to the kind friends who helped the fairies prepare their homes. We finally made it down to the Urban Eels.
We have been watching the project since last year and waiting for the eels to arrive for a few months. More on the project here and here. We saw a post recently mentioning the some eels had arrived and BBQ meats would be suitable to entice them out into the open. So yesterday, in the warm afternoon sun, we headed down the track to see if we could find them. We took some visiting friends down and had all fingers and toes crossed that they wouldn't leave disappointed. The track down to the eel platform is half shaded, half full sun. Sunhats and drink bottles recommended at this time of year! We were not disappointed! The meats were definitely required. Without them, I don't think we would have seen any. Our little one dropped a big hunk of meat in (rather than small bite sized bits) and it was quickly preyed upon and dragged back into the eel lair. The rest received small chunks. Once all meat was distributed and eaten, the eels all high tailed it back into their hiding spot. It was a lovely afternoon adventure. Remember There is a permanent rahui in place. Let the tuna live peacefully. Enjoy learning about these amazing creatures! How to get there Cross He Ara Kotahi Turn right. Follow the limestone track along the river (don't head left at the fork). follow the signs for Linton. The platform is about 1km down the track and there is some tuna fin sculptures and colourful bike rack to guide you. If you cross the bridge (you've gone too far)... look down and you'll see the platform in the stream on the left. |
AuthorI'm Kate. I have 3 children - 2 bios and a steppie, 1 under 5 and 2 tweenagers. I am determined to spend more time outside this year and share more of Palmy's wonderful places and free play activities. Categories
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