As we are staying at the camp here for a wee while I thought I would write about Springfield NZ. I say Springfield NZ and not just Springfield as this small, small town has aligned itself with a much bigger player in the United States. There must be some quirky characters around here, with tongue-in-cheek humour and a touch of the ridiculous as there is a giant size statue of a doughnut in the playground. This fine monument replicates one of Homer or Barts doughnuts from the fictional town of Springfield in the cartoon show ‘The Simpsons’. No one with a child seems to be able to drive past this structure without stopping and taking a photo. One up for Springfield NZ.
Another thing here of great importance, just by the position of the area’s geographical points, is that this little hamlet is the gateway to the West Coast. The road to the West Coast is long, windy and lonely. If you have not filled or powered up at Springfield you might find out exactly how long and lonely this particular road is. Coming the other way, into Springfield is also good as again it is a place to fuel up and use the public conveniences. As well you are not so far away from the yummy pie shop at Sheffield.
There is also an impressive memorial to Rewi Alley here in Springfield, under the trees, down from the playground, just off the main road. For a small place this memorial of visuals and information is high tech. Sensors note your entry and a voice over begins. Be prepared for a surprise.
Springfields situation for us is ideal as some of our family live in Darfield and Christchurch. Being close to our family down this way is nice. The camp is good too. It is well run, well sheltered from the winds of the plains and well sorted with washing and wastewater facilities.
We might be here for a while.