A beautiful sunrise greets our early wake up. The tour bus teeters close to the edge along a roadway of beautiful vistas. Our destination is Mandeley Farm. The owner Mary welcomes us. We are treated to an exhibition of sheep herding. Well trained dogs sped up the mountainside(they love their job) and bring the sheep down. The animals are comfortable being crowded in a pack, and move as if one. The dog owner has a distinct whistle that his canines react to instantly.
Onto the shed, the owner demonstrates how to shear the sheep. This one’s wool is baby soft. He expertly traps the lamb with his body and shaves. This cut is a health advantage, for too many insects and irritants collect in the wool over time.
We are then delighted to have tea, cookies and lamb pies (not for me) in their garden.
The return is a drive through Christchurch, a city devastated by two earthquakes in a half year. The familiar for its residents no longer exists, all modern replacements. Still damaged areas after 12 years.
Lyttelton Harbor was formed by the flooded core of an extinct volcano. An active harbor, its timeball (1816-1934) would drop from the station’s mast to signal the 1 o’clock hour for the ships anchored in its bay. Center is peppered with little cafes, small shops and lots of dogs.
Q When describing the weather, did a local say. A) The sun always shines here. B) Lots of rain, means lots of flowers. C) Four seasons in one day
A. Little necks clams
Sign at the Harbor
May peace be widespread, May the sea glisten like greenstone, May the shimmer of light guide you on your way
Bummer- Windy Wellington- port cancelled due to high winds.
Annie
2023-03-13
My kind of town.... a dog's town!
Pam
2023-03-13
Wondering words giving us insights into your travels!! Love this!!
Pam
2023-03-13
Oops that’s wonderful not wondering words. Lol
Marcia
2023-03-13
Great experience - we were at same place for sheep herding/shearing. Dogs are amazing. Enjoy your writings💞
Dotti
2023-03-13
I feel like I am on this fabulous trip with you! Beautiful photos!💜
Susan Berry
2023-03-13
Hi to you both! All that excitement of traveling, bet you can't wait to get back home to Hollywood. NO place like home!
SUSAN POLLARD
2023-03-13
Once again a great report
Stephen
2023-03-15
Four Seasons in one day. I saw the video of the dogs and we want one, lol. Trip looks amazing.