Sharplin Falls

Last Monday I had to go down and speak to the Timaru Photographic Society. The original plan was to leave home at 4pm, drive down and grab a quick meal, present the talk, and then drive back home late that evening. However, I invited my friend Martin at the last minute. We chose to take the inland route and stay the night in Geraldine.
A good move - firstly, it was far more relaxing, and second, we missed the mayhem at Ashburton Monday morning with the WINZ staff.
After coffee at my favourite cafe in Darfield, we headed towards Staveley (Topp Twins country) and the Staveley store for lunch. Alas, closed on Mondays! Despite the best of intentions, I had never visited the Sharplin Falls there, so off we hiked on a great track - ~40 minutes each way.
Mission accomplished - finally.

Sharplin Falls

Sharplin Falls

The Mayfield pub is also closed Mondays!!

The remainder of the journey and the talk went very well. On the way home, we were gobsmacked at the irrigation plans and preparations for dairying on the Canterbury Plains. Fences and shelter belts being removed producing huge paddocks - I shudder to think of the amount of money being invested.

I am not convinced.

A case of 'watch this space'! 

What happens if/when the milk prices drop?

How long before Christchurch is forced to chlorinate its water supply?