A Tether of Love

Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd, I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father."

John 10:14-15 NRSV

Thought for the Day:  Even when I choose my own way, God still loves me.
The Upper Room - July 1

Mangaotaki Valley's Wildflowers and Pastures - A Dream within a Dream

 

There is a lot more beauty to Piopio then just the limestone cliffs and rocks.  The primeval forest sit at the feet of the cliffs with cow pastures and fences adorned with wildflowers and picturesque rolling hills.  It is a dream within a dream of floating clouds and rolling hills that I hope to see again some day. I saw this vision in one afternoon but it capture my memory and will stay with me to the end of my days!

A Dream within a Dream
By Edgar Allan Poe

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow-
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand-
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep- while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?                             

Middle Earth's Rolling Hills of Piopio

 

 

 

After visiting the limestone cliffs, we decided to explore the road ahead and experience what most visitors do not see.  The road turned into a dirt and gravel road that had figure eight curves, creeks, and rain to add to the excitement.  Several times I thought I should turn around and return the way we came but the wannabe mountain women in me wanted to see where the road would end.  Our GPS was not working, mountains and remote country usually will not have towers.  No Starbuck's coffee to sip on to steady my nerves as the car went up steep hills. Pasture land was a welcome relief and these pictures were taken from a farm house.  When the car approach the breath taking scenery of the rolling hills, I parked the car and trespass on a farm. I walked to the edge of the property and took several of these pictures. I sincerely hope they did not mind.  They probably do not see too many visitors on the road.  It was a 100% Pure New Zealand adventure!

The Fat Pigeon Cafe' in Piopio

After a half day's venture through remote country of rolling hills, limestone cliffs and primeval forest on a endless winding dirt road with only a scattering farm house here and there to feel that humans still exists, it was a welcome relief for a weary traveler to find a fat pigeon in small town Piopio that served Vanilla Lattes!

Piopio - Trolls and Campfires

 

It is far more enjoyable to visit places off the beaten track that most tourist do not venture. Piopio is a small town not heavily traveled.  Not knowing what to expect, we went on an adventure of a 2 hour round trip scenic drive, through a remote country side of primeval forest, towering limestone cliffs and massive rock formations.  Our car was basically the only car on the road for miles and miles.  The photos are of the Mangaotaki Rocks where the troll and campfire scenes were filmed in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey."  Piopio is situated on SH3, 20 km south of Te Kuiti and it is definitely worth the trip.