Today, as I can hear maybe the first lamb ( and this is well out of lambing season) bleating in a paddock nearby, I remember our visit to Lake Tekapo, no digital camera in 1986, so the many photos are in the album. Nearby, on the shoreline, is a bronze memorial statue, of a working collie dog, the best friend of many farmers in the Mackenzie Basin area, and throughout the South Island.
Data below courtesy of the internet, photos also from internet source.
The Mackenzie Basin (popularly and traditionally known as the Mackenzie Country) is an elliptical intermontane basin located in the Mackenzie and Waitaki Districts, near the centre of the South Island of New Zealand. It is the largest such basin in New Zealand.[1] Historically famous mainly for sheep farming, the sparsely populated area is now also a popular tourism destination.
Situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepherd, which, in 1935, was the first church built in the Mackenzie Basin. The church at Burkes Pass, St Patrick's built in 1872 was the first church built by pioneers as a joint community effort, by Anglicans Presbyterian and Catholic settlers. Also a joint venture between Presbyterians and Anglicans, St Columba in Fairlie was built in 1879. The church at Lake Tekapo was designed by Christchurch architect R.S.D. Harman, based on sketches by a local artist, Esther Hope. The church is arguably one of the most photographed in New Zealand, and features an altar window that frames stunning views of the lake and mountains.
This is one of the most spectacular places in the South Island, winter and summer alike, autumn leaves form a bronze carpet, and a paradise for any photographer.
Quotation of the day, from Adam L Gordon,
“Life is mostly froth and bubble, Two things stand like stone -- Kindness in another's trouble, Courage in your own”
Greetings from Jean
9 comments:
i like the tribute to the sheep dog. and i hope the lambs will be okay with fall/winter on the way!
Jean, great post, and lovely photos.
What lovely memories! I love that the church was built as a cooperative venture by three groups who in other parts of the world could not think of such a project.
I remember how impressed I was watching those sheep dogs work when I visited NZ. ... running across the backs of the sheep and even herding ducks.
Certainly a spectacular location!
You are right it's a stunning place to visit. Hope to get back there one day.
Linda
Is a beautiful place!hugs!
Fantastic view from that little church! Interesting structure too. I always enjoy your quotes...
What a beautiful part of the world!
Post a Comment