A day at the farm!

Hello all-

Today we took the boat over to Walter Peak where we observed a fellow shearing a sheep.  It was quite amazing how quickly he completed the task.  From there, we watched as their border collie rounded the sheep and brought them down to the area.  Since sheep and cows roam freely in New Zealand (there are no barns around), the need the dogs to gather them in when it is time for shearing or to the market.  Afterwards we enjoyed a very expansive barbeque meal.  The grounds were lovely so we enjoyed walking through those.  Jan also enjoyed the spinning of the wool demo.  She finally found some possum, merino wool, silk yarn.  You would think New Zealand would be loaded with the availability of yarns with all the sheep around , but, no, it has been a real challenge to find any.  There was a wee bit of yarn at the sock knitting museum we visited a few days ago, but definitely nothing like we have in the States.

After our return to Queenstown, we toured the gardens of the city and that was very enjoyable.  The weather is a bit cool and cloudy but so many of the spring flowering bushes and roses are in bloom in New Zealand.  They are so much more healthy than by us so we are turning our heads all the time in their beauty.  So far the rest of the afternoon we have been going in and out of the shops.  Either we are sick of looking at the shops or the beautiful merino wool blend sweaters which run about $200, are still not appealing to our budget.

We are saying goodbye for at least two days because tomorrow we take off at 8:25 AM for an overnight cruise in the Doubtful Sound.

Here are a few pics -  Dave at the Queenstown Harbor; Looking out our hotel room balcony; sheep herded by the sheep dog who only uses his "eyes" to herd the sheep. He does not bark, unlike Kelsey!