Today, we are going to take a walk along a bike path that follows the course of the Waikumete Stream. The Waikumete is made up of the Opanuku and the Oratia Streams. The scenery itself along the stream is pleasant, and especially so today because we had gorgeous fall weather, and we will also be treated to seeing and leaning about an interesting, historical site along the path as well.
Come along if you care to.
We start in Tui Glen
I know that I said it was fall, but here, plants do what they want, when they want. I call this my Green Bay Packer tree.
There are various work-out stations along the path. I walk right past them. Pesky things.
“In 1898 solicitor Henry Charles Swan purchased land here. Around 1901, reputedly telling friends he was embarking on a solo voyage around the world, he sailed his yacht Awatea to this former tributary of Henderson Creek. Swan lived aboard his yacht for the next 30 years. Between 1901 and 1931 Swan built this brick arch, as well as two cellars to store fruit from his orchard and to house his book collection.”
I found a number of pictures of the original Swan Arch and his yacht, but I don't want to copy the picture directly, due to copyright issues. I wouldn't want to have any problems. Therefore, I will just list the address and let you take a look at several pictures on a Facebook site if you're curious.
Lovely walk! Fred loved the Green Bay Packer tree. I cannot imagine living on that yacht for 30 years. I had a hard time in a 36 foot RV for a summer but of course I was working full time also during it. I loved the header photo also. McKenzie
ReplyDeleteI thought that that yacht looked pretty rough too. It takes all kinds...
DeleteOh so THAT'S what that brick structure is??! I've idly wondered what it was, every time I've passed it, but never thought to do the research. What a cool little glimpse into history as well as a visual indicator of the shift in the location of the stream bed over time.
ReplyDeleteExactly, I stood there and tried to imagine the stream as it was in his day. I also wonder if his cellars remain. And underground book storage seems counterproductive to me.
Delete