Post #324045 by Tamapoutini on Wed, Aug 8, 2007 4:47 AM

Kia ora All. Back from out back..

Big thanks to everyone for your encouragement with my current exhibition and thanks again to Paipo for tying your laces and being a part of the occasion.

Prarie Jade/Bullet - Damn, even I dont get that reaction. It must be something you're doing..? :lol:

I should be absolutely knackered after all of the driving Ive done in the past few days but catching up on all the TC happenings has perked me up again.

Yep, just back rom a whistle-stop tour of half of the South Island, and ohhhh what a journey. We managed to rack up a few stories that we will be talking about for years to come.. It all started out smoothly enough until about an hour into our trip when a beautifully fine day turned into, this:

For those who dont know; NZ's Sth Island has a rather large mountain chain (the 'Southern Alps') running like a spine for 2/3rd of its length. There are only three passes through the guts of this chain and they are all subject to mighty snow storms in the winter months. During the worst of it the roads are completely closed to traffic but most often the addition of tyre snow-chains will get you through when the going gets tough. Ours didnt fit did they... Getting up a slippery mountain aint so bad - going down a little scarier..
Ill clip the story off as this is a TIKI site after all, and all this snow isnt exactly tropical is it? Hey, Im sure the odd pre-contact Maori tackled the mighty hill in the snow at some time or other. Just keep that in mind, :lol:
Long story short, we arrived safe and sound at Arthers Pass village, all roads closed and stuck for the night. Next day the roads were clear and a magic Middle-Earth drive to reach our intended first destination. This is a view of the Waimakarere River near its source in the heart of the Alps, it flows from here right out to the East Coast, near Christchurch. Up and down the valley:

Thats the buggers just there, from the East Coast looking West - We live on the other side...

My little monster with 'snowtiki'..

So enough of that chilly carry on: You want to see some piccies of the work dont you..? right.

Im afraid I didnt get any shots of it all set up but will probably be poking my nose around the door tommorrow so will try to get some..
I have about 20-odd pieces in all but the following are the most Tiki..

On second thoughts, Ill make it a seperate post... See you soon.

T :)