MARLBOROUGH CAMERA CLUB - FIELD TRIP TO THE THRONE, WAIHOPAI VALLEY, SUNDAY 14 APRIL 2019
Fifteen Camera Club members left Blenheim at 7.30am on Sunday to travel in convoy to The Throne situated in the Avondale area of the Waihopai Valley. This large property is owned by the Dillon Family. Over 30 kms out of town, it comprises rolling hills and some higher country with plenty of photographic opportunities.
Our convoy met briefly at the historic Woolshed. From there we drove on the farm tracks to higher ground abounding with great vistas some with vineyards in the foreground. Some of the more adventurous of us took off trekking on foot up hill to better view points.
Our host David Dillon was, as ever, so very hospitable and helpful. This is the Club’s third visit to his property and he always makes us so welcome. A number of our members availed themselves of a lift up a spur on the back of David’s farm Ute.
Once we had finished with photographing landscapes we drove down to the Woolshed. This magnificent old farm building is a photographer’s treasure trove. David threw a fleece several times thus allowing us to photograph it flying through the air.
Finally we were shown around the extensive grounds adjacent to the homestead, saw wild life on the lake, deer racing around and admired the stunning trees planted over many years by former Dillon family members. David, himself, has planted hundreds of trees over the years. He told us that the farm landscapes are his garden. We are grateful to him for being so welcoming and making our time on The Throne so memorable.
Liz Davidson