Wellington Heading North

 I headed to Evans Bay not really expecting to get a spot to park so late in the day and was pleasantly surprised with new toilets and plenty of parking places.

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This sign (done by me) seemed appropriate as I leave Wellington.

 Another message...not done by me..seen...was my sentiment entirely!

Wellington sure is a funky town!

You may know I am a fan of fantails

Several weeks ago while visiting Christchurch I viewed the Owen Mapp exhibition at the Canterbury Museum. This was celebrating 50 years as a carver in New Zealand. In a gallery video Owen gave his phone number and stated he is open to visits from passerby’s.

Here are some of his exhibition pieces.

I was blown away by his work and attitude...so I made a point to pass by his home on the Kapiti Coast if I could!

When I contacted him I mentioned I already had one of his pieces from an english friend who commissioned a lovely work but was unable to take out of the country as it had beautifully carved whale bone. So he very kindly gave it to yours truely!

I visited his home and workshop and as you can see below it is a veritable Aladdin's Cave full of amazing artifacts and objects of rarity and beauty!

We had a great wide ranging chat on many subjects.

More photos...

Things were just as interesting outside in the garden and he even had bananas and Persimmons setting fruit.

Northwards I charged, being charged up by my visit to Owen, I stopped in Levin and got my busking gear out for a much needed blow out.

I gave the Highway 1 truck traffic quite a blast as they motored through town.

This Chinese lady came by taking a photo of me, but when I asked and motioned her to take a photo for me with my phone camera, she couldn’t understand me, nor speak any english.

Amazing ...Eh!