On our way south we stopped near Rotorua and visited Buzz and Patsy (mates of Mike and Linda). They took us on a boat tour of their lake and shared some mussels with us (Megan wasn't too keen on them). In the morning we went to watch the whitewater rafters go over some falls and then left with packed lunches, some gourmet yogurt, and a jar of honey. We wished we had more time to spend there but are hoping to pop in on them again on our way back to Auckland at some later date.
In Christchurch, I picked up a kayak and on Sunday paddled down a section of the Hurunui River with Becs, Bill, Graeme, and Doug from the local paddling club. The scenery was amazing even if the paddling was relatively tame. Looking forward to doing lots more paddling.
We headed to a little farm (Pass Stream Farm) where Sue and Bruce (more mates of Mike and Linda) have a heap of sheep. On Tuesday, I got to help with tailing the lambs (bobbing the tails so they don't get full of poo and attract flies and such). It was fun to be doing some "work" and interesting to learn a bit about raising sheep from Bruce. The only bummer was losing my wedding ring which we were never able to find. Since I'd found the ring in the Mississippi River myself, I can't be too bitter about it. Maybe the Golum that Megan thought was in the cave will pick it up. Bruce and Sue are actually trying to sell thier farm so there is a link with pictures of their place below (or if you're looking to buy in NZ). The views were magnificent and the food fabulous.
http://www.realestate.co.nz/1101510/images
We're in Christchurch right now and will be attending a bee club meeting on Saturday. Sunday we head to Diamond Harbor (just south of Christchurch) for WWOOFing.
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What method of tailing did the sheep farmers use? I didn't hear much about Meg tailing any lambs. Too bad about the wedding ring. You'll just have to find a new one in some NZ river. The farm you stayed at had an incredible view!
ReplyDeleteWe love the posts -- keep them coming.
Love,
MomO
The tailing was called "docking" which involves cutting the tail off while cauterizing it (basically a hot scissors). With the male lambs, they also put a small ring around the testicles to reduce the testosterone. This apparently keeps them from mating with the female sheep but still provides the growth factors. Some of the sheep didn't seem to be bothered at all but others certainly weren't happy about it. In the end it helps keep the sheep healthy so it seems like a necessary pain. Megan wasn't too keen on it but she did come down at the end and watched a bit.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of wedding bands, Megan has already offered to replace the lost ring with a key ring. Since I'd proposed to her with one (it was rather spontaneously and the only ring shaped thing I could find at the time) it seems appropriate as a temporary replacement.