27/28th December
Even though the sheep population has halved over the last few years they still outnumber the population here by 1 million;1 or thereabouts- you would expect the odd hamlet or village between centres of population like Christchurch and Kaikora, and then up to Blenheim, but no, nothing. Which makes it a little unnerving when you think you're about to run out of deisel. But we managed OK in the end, fortunately.
On the way we found a sheep shearing shed where Paul Daniel's twin brother showed us how it was all done and we all collectivley wondered why anyone still runs sheep when a fleece fetches only 37p. Apparently venison and vineyards are the new sheep, and you can see why. A lot less pooey for one thing.
Arrived at kaikora earlyish, which is a small town in a perfect physical setting, with the Southern Alps as a backdrop and pacific ocean in front. Unfortunately the town is a bit tripperish and tacky, unlike almost all the other places we've seen, but we managed to find a nice restaurant and reduced the crayfish population by 1 and a half. Afterwards we played on the lovely pebbly beach until sundown. Great fun trying to balance tall towers of pebbles.
In the morning those rugged Hawes menfolk went off whale hunting while the lily livered womenfolk lay on the beach. No more boat trips for us! After the second sperm whale Oli was apparently unimpressed- went back to his Lord of the Rings book- but Richard got some good shots of the Whale's Tail... and then about 100 dolphins escorted the boat back to shore.
This afternoon we travelled through marlborough country- or wine territory for those 'ingenues' amongst you. There are 48 wine producers in Blenheim alone- we didn't quite manage to get round them all but had a jolly good time none the less. Actually I think the children were a bit bored, but hey ho.
Tonight we're in Picton before the ferry back to the North Island and civilisation! Two heavy days of travelling before we get to the Coromandel where we will spend our last week. So you may not hear form us for a while... love to all...
Even though the sheep population has halved over the last few years they still outnumber the population here by 1 million;1 or thereabouts- you would expect the odd hamlet or village between centres of population like Christchurch and Kaikora, and then up to Blenheim, but no, nothing. Which makes it a little unnerving when you think you're about to run out of deisel. But we managed OK in the end, fortunately.
On the way we found a sheep shearing shed where Paul Daniel's twin brother showed us how it was all done and we all collectivley wondered why anyone still runs sheep when a fleece fetches only 37p. Apparently venison and vineyards are the new sheep, and you can see why. A lot less pooey for one thing.Arrived at kaikora earlyish, which is a small town in a perfect physical setting, with the Southern Alps as a backdrop and pacific ocean in front. Unfortunately the town is a bit tripperish and tacky, unlike almost all the other places we've seen, but we managed to find a nice restaurant and reduced the crayfish population by 1 and a half. Afterwards we played on the lovely pebbly beach until sundown. Great fun trying to balance tall towers of pebbles.
In the morning those rugged Hawes menfolk went off whale hunting while the lily livered womenfolk lay on the beach. No more boat trips for us! After the second sperm whale Oli was apparently unimpressed- went back to his Lord of the Rings book- but Richard got some good shots of the Whale's Tail... and then about 100 dolphins escorted the boat back to shore.
This afternoon we travelled through marlborough country- or wine territory for those 'ingenues' amongst you. There are 48 wine producers in Blenheim alone- we didn't quite manage to get round them all but had a jolly good time none the less. Actually I think the children were a bit bored, but hey ho.
Tonight we're in Picton before the ferry back to the North Island and civilisation! Two heavy days of travelling before we get to the Coromandel where we will spend our last week. So you may not hear form us for a while... love to all...
4 comments:
I'm sorry, but I couldn't just let it go...
What is deisel? Is that a kiwi fruit derived fuel? Or one obtained from sheep dung?
And who is Paul Daniel? Oh...I see, you meant Paul Daniels' twin brother, not Paul Daniel's.
And "collectivley"?!
Come on sis, don't let the standards slip please? I mean it's not as if you're in Australia where you might get away with that kind of thing. Sounds like you got a bit carried away with that wine tasting!
OK, so I'm envious...really envious...Enjoy the trip to Coromandel!
Richard
Hi Hawes family,
Your wonderful news from NZ is bringing back many happy memories for us. So glad you are all having such a great time.
Sorry not to get Christmas greetings to you, but it has been fairly hectic at The Mount, and access to the computer has been limited! We were thinking about you though!
We send you our very best wishes for the New Year, and hope you thoroughly enjoy the rest of your trip. Look forward to seeing all the photos.
Much love to you all,
Margaret & David xxxx
To Richard-
not that your bitter, or anything!
To David and Margaret, lovely to hear from you! Although we're enjoying being on the other side of the world, we're always glad of news from home. Hope the Evans extended family had a good Christmas...we'll come and bore you with our photos and tales of down under in the New Year. And happy belated birthday Margaret! HAPPY NEW YEAR! xxx
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