Hamilton 22 December 2008

Stopped at Highfield to pick up our mail and get fuel. First couple of petrol stations had signs up saying no diesel! Problem with an oil refinery, but luckily, we found some! The area also has an old pioneer village that the local historical society is expanding and working at very enthusiastically. It stuck a chord with Peter, as this was the general area that his father worked in timber mills. We have seen a few villages now and there is always something you haven’t come across before. This time Heather was taken with the Ant Bed Oven. Early settlers used them. They insulate so well that you can still cook for three days without adding fuel! They are made of “mud” cement from crushed termite nest about 25cms thick over a frame. The base has big flat stones to cook on which retain this heat for days. The point of interest is the quality of the material the white ant produce. The comments state that scientists think that if they could extract the secrets of the material the strength could allow three kilometre high sky scrapers! Heather wants an oven in her backyard!