Paintbrushes at ready on long holiday
An extended holiday in Riverton has had its advantages for 73-year-old American Carol Clapp.
She arrives in Riverton from the United States every October for an annual six-month holiday.
But her latest visit turned into 18 months with the Covid-19 pandemic closing borders and putting New Zealand into lockdown last autumn. The delay in getting back to her homes in
New Hampshire and Maine has meant she can spend more time painting and being with her Riverton boyfriend.
Clapp had his support through the trying times of lockdown after first meeting him at a Christmas party in December 2019.
Life’s great, Clapp says. ‘‘He’s been cooking a meal every night for a year . . . They’re beautiful meals,’’ she said.
‘‘He’s been married twice before and his wives never let him cook.’’
Five of the 12 artworks painted by Clapp during her latest stay in Riverton will be on display at the Edge of the
World Art Exhibition at Waikawa, from February 27 to March 7.
She started painting as a hobby six years ago and only paints at her Riverton home. ‘‘I’ve done over 100 paintings.’’
She received good news recently when she secured a seat on a plane, leaving Auckland for the US, in three weeks. Asked if she was worried about returning to the US, which has had more than 28 million cases of Covid-19, Clapp said: ‘‘I’ve gotten over worrying about it because I’ve made my decision to go.’’
Clapp said she had an appointment to get a Covid-19 vaccination in New Hampshire on April 3.
She and her late husband, David, had travelled a lot, with one trip bringing them to Invercargill in 1978. They formed friendships with people in Invercargill on that visit.
In 2002, on another visit to Southland, they bought a small house at Riverton for $30,000.
They then started annual holidays in Riverton. Carol continued the trips after David died five years ago. ‘‘I love it here.’’
She hopes to return in October.