Akaroa is, like many others, trying to repair damage from recent earthquakes. Two days ago I experienced a 5.2 that was like nothing I have ever felt before. The plants shook, the house groaned, walls rattled and my insides turned.
I asked, “When will these plates quit shifting?”
“Not for 50 more years,” was the reply.
The idea is terrifying.
Eric is Sue and Murray’s other WWOOFER. We often tackle farm work and the evening’s dirty dishes together. Conversation topics are abundant and I find the world quite exciting and strange through the eyes of a 20 year old, 6’4”, German guy’s eyes. Here he and I are trying to camouflage a very conspicuous plastic walled garden at the front of the farm. We have dubbed this new garden, The Tank.
The best part of the work day here is feeding and playing with six puppies. These dogs are a fairly new breed called New Zealand Heading Dog. They are a cross between Greyhound and Border Collie. The Greyhound genetics give them the endurance to work the steep hills and large land area all day long. I’ve tried not to pick favorites, but this little boy is making that very hard.
My first close encounter with a native New Zealand wood pigeon was unfortunately followed by the bird’s burial. Thank you Sue for modeling this dead, but beautiful bird.
Paul came to visit me on Banks Peninsula. He rode 104 km in wind, rain and darkness. He was a sorry case when he arrived, but proved himself to be honest to his word to visit me. What a great Aussie bloke!
My hosts, Murray and Sue Johns. I have my good friend MC to thank for helping me arrive at this spot. Two years ago MC took me to meet her grandparents, Herbert and Mary Virginia, who live in the Boxley Valley, Arkansas. I told them of my interest in farming Merino wool and they told me of their good sheep farming friends in New Zealand, The Johns. They insisted a girl with my interests must see this country and it was then my desire was born.
I have moved to Sue and Murray Johns farm in Paua Bay on Banks Peninsula. I can sit on the patio, nestled between sheep covered hills, and drink espresso while watching the waves of the South Pacific break on the rocks below. I earn this privilege by weeding the gardens. Seems pretty fair.
Farming deer is a new concept to me. The grass growing season is starting to slow, so the deer diets are supplemented with barley, also grown on the farm. Blake, the hired man, drives the grain cart around as i stand on it to achieve a close encounter with an animal i’ve only known to be wild until now.
I have seen a lot of beautiful scenery and met some really great folks, but watching working dogs work has got to be at the top of my favorites list. Watching these intelligent animals do what their minds, bodies, and hearts are bred for is really something. So, I will brief you on what i’ve observed and seem to understand. The dog on the left is an eye or heading dog. This dog is usually a border collie or a similar mix. They remain quiet and do most of the steering of the flock/herd. The dog on the right is a Huntaway. This dog does the barking and the driving. Together they accomplish the work of multiple men, 4 wheelers and horses combined.
“Their desire to please and work longer and harder than any human could in all types of weather earns them all my respect.” N. Campbell
Note: To any kiwi farmers who find my above description flawed, please know you are to blame for not teaching me better. Also, email me with corrections. Thanks.
The snow capped Southern Alps. The idea is I will ski these peaks at some point before I leave. I have been carrying my ski jacket around in my backpack for months now, so if for no other reason, just to make that extra weight seem like it was worth it.
George, the Jack Russell, took me to the top of the farm yesterday. He also escorts me to the cottage every night and greets me at the cottage gate every morning. He has become my companion here and I couldn’t feel luckier.
I am at Lyn and Neil Campbell’s Parkwood Farm located outside Fairlie in the McKenzie Region of the South Island. They farm crop, raise beef, sheep and deer and run a farmstay in the foothills of the Southern Alps. I’ve been told on a clear day you can see the snow capped mountains in one direction and the South Pacific on the other from their high paddocks. Looking forward to this day. Lyn has been a lot of fun and immediately made me feel at home. I even have a cottage all to myself (usually used for hosting guests and skiers). I have a feeling a week here will not be near enough.
Tonight’s roommates at Kiwi Basecamp Backpackers were Nick from Melbourne, Australia and James from Nottingham, England. I have been here for 3 days, and sharing dinner, stories, and laughter with these blokes was a great way to end my stay in the city…heading to high country tomorrow.
It is really no wonder people choose to stay in Christchurch. Nestled on the South Pacific, surrounded by beautiful bays, bordered by farms on the Canterbury Plains with the stunning Southern Alps ever present on the horizon, your heart’s desire could surely be achieved.
