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I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle, the dog and hit the road
A night in an arboretum
Heather Auckram
After weeks of frost, followed by icy winds and rain, the sun finally shone.
I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle and the dog and hit the road. First stop was the Alex McKenzie Park & Arboretum just 2km south of the farm-servicing town of Otautau in western Southland.
The grassy area still had a film of water shining on it, so I parked on the gravel for our sleepover. Loki dog and I walked the 20 minute loop through the orchard and trees, listening to the birds and the rustle of the leaves, which was the calm we needed.
The Arboretum has two clean toilets and dogs are welcome as long as they are controlled as it is a popular place for walkers and picnickers. During the drier months tents of all sizes and colour can be seen pitched in the shade of the trees.
The night was dark, so we went to bed early and listened to the morepork, night birds, opossum and occasional passing truck on the nearby road while we rested.
The Arboretum is cared for by volunteers and they appreciate a small donation dropped in the yellow box. ◼️
Images ©2024 Heather Auckram
9 Spring 2024
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