Throughout New Zealand are dotted the remnants of early
settlements and one of these is Ross, a former gold mining settlement on the
West Coast. Their biggest claim to fame
is the discovery of New Zealand’s largest gold nugget (a massive 3.1kg) in
1909. I visited here in May 2019.
The collection of sphagnum moss, beef and sheep farms,
timber milling and the production of lime have all been carried out in this
area. Today the main source of income is
tourism, with a Heritage Village to visit, walks to make, and the opportunity
to pan for gold (unfortunately this was shut the day I visited).
The West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail passes through Ross
and this frame makes a great place to stop for a photo opportunity.
I spent an hour wandering around the Heritage Village,
including visiting this old gold-mining cottage.
Over the road is situated St Patrick’s Catholic Church, one
of the oldest in New Zealand. It was
opened on 21 October 1866 and is still used for mass every two weeks.
Buildings up and down the street were old but mostly still
in use, like the Empire Hotel in this picture.
The owner of this place has covered the fence with number-plates
off different vehicles.
I drove out to the coast before continuing my journey south,
and spent a short while at Ross Beach. I
love these lonely wild windswept beaches with their rocks, driftwood and
crashing waves. They appeal to the Wild
Child inside me!
Thank-you everybody for all your comments yesterday. These are unusual times our world is going
through at the moment and it is hurting a lot of people in one way or another.
Today we have beautiful autumnal sunshine with a light
breeze. I can hear machinery working in
the distance and there are still a few cicadas singing their song. It is the kind of warm mellow day that makes
one feel decidedly lazy J
Stay safe and keep well,
