| Conference | PREVIOUS | NEXT |
During the Afternoon we circled back to Oamaru via the Maori Rock Art, Elephant Rocks, The Whale Fossil and Parkside Limestone Quarry where we saw how they saw the limestone blocks used in building and stone carving.
Helen gave us a lesson in archaeology and a mind-numbing look at our ancient past in the exhibits at the amazing Vanished World visitor Centre in Duntroon.
Another while in the coach, then we could marvel at whale fossils...
... in the rock where they were discovered!
The uplifted ancient seabed has been broken open by certain layers dissolving away underneath, to expose fossils and some frightening chasms in the rock.
On to more limestone formations - Elephant Rocks. Interesting acoustics were tested by John B, exercising some solo vocal work which was greatly appreciated...
In this amazing landscape, a few old trees had survived. Included was this massive kowhai tree, 1000 years old, being hugged by one of many people who were endeared to it that day.
Another survivor was this elderberry tree...
...growing from a cracked rock!
A snack of good healthy fresh fruit, then back in the coach again.
At Parkside Limestone Quarry we saw limestone blocks destined for building, in places like Tauranga.
A mined block was being sliced by this substantial saw.
Treated blocks being stacked for shipment. Surprisingly, limestone dust is healthy to work in.
We admired our guide, who told the long and fascinating history of the factory.
Late in the day, we visited her garden. Limestone features here too.
When we left for Dunedin early next morning to catch the Taieri Gorge Express, we paused to look over Patricia Pope's plantings. (Others later went to Joy Green's small olive grove in the heart of Oamaru.)
Tricia's location is rather exposed, so a covered area helps to get seedlings to a sturdier size.
No visit would be complete without seeing the Moeraki Boulders. Grown by layers into stone balls, it was easier to believe they froze off something, if today's temperature was anything to go by...
We hugely enjoyed the Taieri Gorge Express, and our weary group was heartened to receive a joyous welcome at the Conference venue...
Editor - Les Gruebner
Photos - Les Gruebner
| Email us | Conference | Top | NEXT |
http://www.treecrops.org.nz/bydate/conf03/preoam2.html
Created: Saturday, 7 June 2003 - Updated: 2007 August 10