COASTALOBSERVER by sophia rose'

KAIKOURA LAVENDER FARM ' Purple Craze '

nzfreespirit-worldclasstravels — Fri, 6 Jun 2014 17:06:00 GMT

A stream of constant chuckling and childlike giggles flowed from the open Cafe window, like a melody of musical notes to ones favourite classical tune. It was a bumper summers day in Kaikoura for locals and tourists alike and what better way than to spend up to two hours at the Lavendyl Lavender Farm, Cafe and Shop, situated three kilometres off the main highway and tucked in under the mound of Mt Fyffe. The mount stands as apart of the majestic seaward Kaikoura mountain ranges, spoken of as 'where the mountain meets the sea'.

The farm is a five acre block consisting of over 50 different species of lavender plants. In September until May, the seasonal 'purple craze' begins as the flowers grow to their purple sweet buds, ready for harvesting into Kiwi products for the New Zealand Cottage Industry. The aromas, like the Queen bee pheromones, never disappear at the farm. Senses revive gently, alive with the natural fragrances and oils that fill the air with those better spores we breathe in as fresher air. It can be smelt everywhere you walk around the farm, even while standing amongst the roses. Everyone who arrives to the farm gets that whiff and off they go. The 'purple craze' takes over.

As I sat there under the shade of the old Oak tree, sipping on my cup of lavender tea, made in a teapot and dunking my home baked lavender biscuits that tasted like the delicious traditional Scottish shortbread, I could see in through the open Cafe door, to the group of twenty clucking local ladies having their monthly tea party gathering. I watched as they mingled on pouring lavender tea for each other and stopping to say a joke then bursting out in fits of laughter. The Cafe was humming with delight.

Earlier on, I spotted them disembarking from their bus in the car park area. They stood out as fascinating, in their colourful attire, looking like a group from the fifties in immaculate dress. You could see theiy were incensed immediately their foot hit the pathway. You could see their bulging eyes. The 'purple craze' of the lavender, like bears to bees honey, enthused and infused with the heavenly scent descending from the lavender bushes surrounding the main Farm walk entrance and buildings. They all headed straight toward the shop, magnetised for therapy shopping, standing for a moment at the door with enlarged, flared nostrils, taking the scent in before bringing out their credit cards and cash to begin shopping For the lavender goodies arrayed artistically in every nook and cranny of the store. The temptation was too much once they entered over the threshold of this busy wee cottage industry going on. The 'purple craze' took over all sensibilities.

From lavender wooden oil holders to 100% pure oils, soaps, creams, pot pourri, plants, ornaments, gifts, honey, cards, seeds, local product and crafts, to the bonus of choosing a lavender item for that 'special someone'.

Then it was like they remembered about the Cottage Cafe, where brews the lavender homebrew, served in a teapot with their home baked lavender cookies and they all started to walk away.

The till was ringing away merrily and the owner John was running around on overload. Between orders of lavender tea and biscuits served in matching cups and saucers, with dainty posies of purple flowers painted on the sides, he was also wrapping up gifts in purple paper with purple ribbon and bows. The 'purple craze' was now in full swing.

"We are moving to a new farm in Wanaka, Central Otago", said the owner John. "My sons are building the farm and we will all work it together throughout a full year, unlike Kaikoura where it is quiet in Wintertime. That is why we have a for sale sign out the front of this farm", he continued. "Kaikoura is only busy through Summer seasons".

Yes the 'purple craze' of Lavender, never departs from our lifestyles. We need it as much as the bees. Give me a lavender steam bath and oil massage anytime. It is a divine fragrance that awakens my senses.

If you are travelling through kaikoura in the Summer months, be advised to swing off the main highway and seek solace under the mountain, side by side with historical nature. Be expectant of the powerful effect you are guaranteed to receive within. Feel the 'purple craze' found only at Zealand's Lavender Farm experiences.

MOTHER NATURES ' Red Night, Shepherds Delight'

nzfreespirit-worldclasstravels — Tue, 3 Jun 2014 09:44:00 GMT

The last weather report handed out severe warnings. It warned of high wild winds reaching over 140 kilometres, heavy torrential rain with major flooding and snow down to 400 below sea level. The forecasters expected the storm to cause havoc in certain areas across the country, especially the South Island, including the Otago region and both Queenstown and Invercargill cities.It was certainly not what I needed to hear, as my Air New Zealand domestic flight was departing Dunedin airport at 4.15pm. I was expected to land in Auckland city by 6.40pm.

The first thoughts of doom started to appear ... "Oh no! A bad flight ahead full of severe turbulence or worst, no flight and stuck at the airport overnight." I quickly dismissed any dark images that began to reform in my mind, as where I stood now awaiting the airport shuttle bus, the sun was shining brightly. There were no signs of any storm brewing and by the time the driver arrived at 2.45pm the day was still like the 'calm before the storm', warm and maybe too good to be true. Knowing the news media can exaggerate at many times, I decided to take the risk and continue onto the airport 28 kilometres away south of the city and just hope the flight would be ahead of the storm, if it should cross the region. I also got myself mentally prepared, should the flight be delayed, at the least reasoning.

There were two other passengers onboard the airport shuttle when it pulled up to the kerb of my street. The lady in front was reading from her mobile phone and the man at the back was sitting quietly contemplating, what next? I threw in my coat and handbag to the seat next to the woman, while the driver loaded up the luggage. I climbed in wondering if the woman sensed any concerns as she seemed so engrossed in her messages. Tap, tap, tap, went her fingers, fast and furious.

Little did we all know what would strike us within half an hour of travel, as Mother Nature stood her ground, storming across the very highway we were entering upon. She came with a force, lashings of wild torrents, wind and rain. Small twists and tornadoes pushing up against the sides of the vehicle, threatening to spin or lift it up from the road, sending it skidding across the centre lines. Billows of dead dry leaves flew onto the windscreen losing all visibility of what was happening right in front of us. The driver was forced to slow down to a stop so he could gain control of the steering wheel. "I have never seen anything like it for a long while", he yelled above the pitch of the screaming rain and stormy noises.

For twenty minutes the driver hung on tightly, white knuckles gripping the steering wheel. Other cars were sliding to a stop banging into the highway signs. The man and woman passengers started to voice their panic. "Stop the van". " Wait for the winds to end".......but the driver, John, was determined to keep moving forward, rather than be stuck like a ' sitting duck' in the 'eye of the storm'.

Then like a miracle appearing out of nowhere, suddenly as quick as she came, Mother Nature was calm again. The rain cleared leaving only the sights of its debris. The wind dropped away to a chilly breeze. "Unbelievable", said the driver. "I thought we would be washed away".

The final announcement from the airline pilot awoke me out of my cat nap."In ten minutes we will be landing in Auckland city. I hope you all enjoyed your flight".....As I sat up I was awakening to the views of red rays and crimson coloured cloud with a deep golden sunset disappearing behind the hills of the West, streaks, rays like crystal prisms glared through the perplexity of the small aircraft window. It really was like 'my cup runneth over '. I felt relieved, thank God for a safe and sound sojourn aboard the ANZBoeing 707.

I remembered all those times my father gave warnings about New Zealand's winter time and how it can be like this, where weather offers four seasons in one day. My past tutors and mentors, friends and personal experiences mount up to assuring i am safe at all times. I try to take extra time to always do a daily weather reality check on internet before setting out, so I am fully aware and can prepare for the unexpected sharp edge of taking adventures, when travelling between the Islands Of New Zealand.

As I looked out through the airplanes window, across the now darkened Auckland night sky, I was also reminded of how beautiful Mother Nature works for us and how she now welcomed me with a wonderful 'red night, shepherds delight. A blessing from that which follows her wild storms and wettest times, yet as for sure, look what she gives for tommorrow, a sunny, crisp blue sky for me to further enjoy.

I see Mother Natures portfolio of seasons and today's daily weather patterns, is her gift from her to us, as she tucks in the last week of Autumn, in the New Zealand month of May and so she can then welcome in 'hare mai' Matariki Maori New Year, which begins on the first week of June in New Zealand and celebrated as the first day of Winter, on 1st June.

"May we bless our existence as humankind, to respect Mother Nature and her many creatures". The Maori story of Matariki is of the seven stars constellation seen in the New Zealand night sky and Universe and the myth is of the seven sisters who represent those that can also follow such good wisdom and advice to care for Mother Nature in return. The red night represents the closing of a season and the opening to a new beginning and sunrise. Restoring the Soul.

A shepherds delight!

MOTHER NATURES 'Tall Tales and Kiwi Flukes'

nzfreespirit-worldclasstravels — Sat, 10 May 2014 17:04:46 GMT

In certain families of New Zealand's 'kiwi iwi' spiritual culture, it is olde tradition to say, "It's a fluke". This is applied to significant 'proverbial chance encounters', like when you bump into someone not seen for years. Suddenly they appear, as you need help or inspiration. Such serendipity simply put means: 'meant to be'. It refers to all walks of life, nature, culture.

Kaikoura township and Bay, is a settlement on the main highway, East Coast South Island of New Zealand, 'Aotearoa'. It features publicly on the tourism globe, as World Class, 'must see', place to visit.

Whale watch, dolphin swims, seals, sea lions at your feet, feed sea birds, eat fish, crayfish, berries. Film sea life of many other descriptions. Being outdoors while creatures 'both great and small' live beside you in their own 'clockwork fashion' and their natural environment full up to the brim with 'kai', food for them.

This is Kaikoura, where amazing crystal clear, blue summer sky, 'kisses' the deep blue, shimmering ocean. It's horizon showcases rainbows and pots of gold in it's aurora illusions. Kai-(food)-koura-(crayfish)- is a heavenly design, nestled in a tapestry of green mountains, farms, forests, swamps, lakes of birds, historical volcanic flora and fauna. No wonder the whales love returning. Mother Nature welcomes them. 'Hare mai'.

I will never forget the day that I went to Kaikoura, on a recent South Island 13 day summer road trip. The itinerary was full on with overnight stays and memorable visits to many 'clean, green kiwi places, sites and sights'. But for me, Kaikoura was the 'best of the best', where I connected with the mighty mammal and predator of the Oceans and Seas, the Humpback and Sperm Whales. Yes providence.

The helicopter ride was superb, the morning clear and blue. Dan the pilot guided us to understanding we may not see any whales today. No guarantees existed. No Whale sightings for over a month. I was of the opinion, the aerial views alone would satisfy my appreciation of being up in 'sky space' for 30 minutes.

It was exhilarating, 'tapu lifting'. Seeing both Sperm and Humpback Whales and a pod of over 500 dolphins was inspiring. Aspirations to return by sea and boat, if only just to capture close up film of the Whale's 'tail flukes', overcame me. For in her tail, her story tells of how she sings and wails on her migration back to the other hemisphere that awaits her.

'Fluke or not'. For me this was a 'whale of a time', I shall remember.