Ghost Town

After a very good breakfast we drove through  back country New Zealand to Waimiha.  I had to take pictures of the thick frost first. (see extras)  We passed sheep and beef farms and some pine forests.  On these farms it was common to see regenerating Totara trees.  This area was once virgin Podocarp forests and at the turn of the century the loggers moved in and proceeded to do their best to chop it all down.  The farmers came next.  We were headed to Endeans Mill.  It was established in 1927 and closed in 1996.  The interesting part is that it has been left as it was on the last day of work.  The machinery is in the mill, sawn timber is stacked in the paddocks, logs wait to be processed.  The mill houses are still there.  The office table is covered in paperwork. 
The mill is close to the timber trail which is part of the New Zealand cycle trail.  The timber trail is 85km through regenerating Podocarp forest.  It uses historic bush tramways, old bush roads and newly constructed track.  There are 35 bridges.  We didn't see any bikers but in the warmer months it is popular.  They cycle trail has brought about a rejuvenation of other small towns and hopefully in time it will also help Bennydale.