Climbing Hills

Over the years we lived in many different houses, often in rural areas.  Nearly always we had wonderful neighbours who would allow us to wander over their farms as long as we never disturbed stock and always left gates how we found them.

One such place we lived in, during 2006, had a good-sized hill behind the house, and I used to walk up here almost every day.

The property was in a long deep valley not too far from Te Awamutu.  This was the view from half-way up the hill.

The woolshed can be seen on the left, the old shearer’s quarters on the right, and our home was the one nestled in among the trees.

It was a deceptively steep climb up this hill.  I used to sit in the grass at the top and look back down over the valley while I caught my breath again.

If I felt energetic the tractor track continued up into the hills beyond and made for a longer walk.

When you got high enough the road noise disappeared and it became very quiet with only the wind, farm stock and a few birds making the odd noise.  I loved the silence.

I seldom walked past the duck pond, but would turn around here and make my way back down again.

These photos were all taken on various walks during 2006, and I always felt the house was welcoming me when I returned from a walk.  Maybe it was the cup of tea I was looking forward to!

What a joy it is to be able to look back upon pleasant memories J

Margaret.