Arthur's Pass to Franz Josef

Today was a long driving day.  It is not so much distance but time. The roads are very mountainous and difficult to traverse.  Yesterday I realized a coincidence that maybe only Michael Martin will relate to.  While sipping my Nautilus Wine, I realized that I was staying at Arthur's Pass. Cheers, Michael!

We stopped for a potty break and decided to go ahead and have lunch.  You never know when there will be another stop.

We decided on this homemade meat or hand pies which are very popular here.  Dennis chose a steak and black pepper, and I ordered Thai chicken.  They were pretty dang good! We decided these have a place in our future.

Proof that hippies still exist and not only in the U. S.

Good to see these little libraries exist in other places too.  We have one across the street from our house in Louisville. Ours always seems to be overflowing.  This one had a sign requesting that you put a book in before you took one out. 

We intended to hike today.  There wasn't a memorable hike suggested by our tour company, but we had picked one out that was on the way, hoping to see a seal colony.  It was raining, so we decided to continue driving to Franz Josef.

This restaurant, "Alice May," was just down the street from our hotel.  I was fascinated and copied this, grammar and all directly from the restaurant.

"THE STORY OF

Alice May Parkinson

Alice May Parkinson was one of 12 children born to George and Isabella Parkinson in the back country of the Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Alice’s family were relatively poor and strongly religious. Alice worked from the age of 14 in the domestic service and after she turned 20, worked as a pantry maid/waitress in a hotel in Napier.Alice fell pregnant to her lover Bert West but after the baby was stillborn her lover rejected her not withstanding his earlier promise to marry her. After an altercation Alice drew a revolver from her raincoat pocket and shot her lover 4 times before turning the gun unsuccessfully upon herself.

Alice was tried and sentenced to hard labour for the rest of her natural life by the New Zealand Chief Justice. The feminists of the Socialist Movement quickly formed a release committee for Alice and gained widespread and popular support. Alice became a household name with public meetings being held in Auckland and Wellington and 2 major petitions circulated New Zealand requesting her release from jail. In 1915, 60,000 people signed the petitions.

Finally, after serving 6 years in prison Alice was released in 1921 into the care of her mother. Subsequently Alice married Charles O’Loughlin and together they went on to have 6 children.

Jennie O’Loughlin (the owner) is one of Alice’s many grandchildren. This pub is dedicated to the memory of Alice and her son Bryan O’Loughlin." Further investigation revealed that she shot herself in the temple and had excruciating headaches for the rest of her life. I can't imagine what six noisy children would do for her headache.

Our meal was delicious.  We split an order of garlic bread, calories and all. And then, we each had Roast Pork with roasted vegetables and roots. There was no need for a knife - so tender and flavorful.  Not a morsel was wasted.

Tomorrow, I have a big hike planned. It is reputed to be four hours steep up (Gulp) and then incredible views. Of course, then I have to walk back down.  So prayers for me, and I will say prayers for all of you!

Nighty-Night.