We had a very smooth journey to NZ, with a two hour stop in both Dubai and Sydney, plus a surprise bonus of upgrade to business class for the final 3-hour sector to Christchurch. Mez Power met us at the airport and drove us back to their farm in Hawarden, about an hour north of Christchurch. So lovely to be back here after 20 years (Jake was 16 months old when we last visited!) and see Mez & Rich and their beautiful farm with stunning sunset views.
10 Nov 2017
Day one in NZ turned into a bit of an epic - and will be very hard to beat. The perfect antidote for jet lag: up at 06:15 to help sort the first batch of spring lambs for transport. This was just a small load of 300+ lambs for one truck to collect at 10:00. My first experience of attempting to ‘direct’ sheep going through the funnel to the “gate” where Rich selected the Romney lambs ready for market.
315 lambs were loaded onto the truck, and then I watched Rich & Hayden slaughter and prepare four of the “overweight” lambs for their personal use. (There is a precise market weight limit for spring lambs of 25kg carcass weight, and with the super lush grass this year some of the Romneys grow to an impressive size in a mere three months). Witnessing the process has been fascinating, and given me an insight and respect for the work that goes into delivering New Zealand lamb to our supermarkets back in the UK.
After a successful morning’s work, Rich declared it was time to play. We hitched up the Hamilton jet boat to the ute, and drive an hour north up incredile winding dirt road to the Lake Sumner National Park for some action on Lake Taylor. The red jet boat with a 5 litre V8 Chevy engine is an awesome toy, and in the most stunning location; alpine backdrop, clear water and nobody else there.We blasted to the top end of the lake where it was calmer, set up camp on the beach and then had a ski & wakeboard.
The water really wasn’t as cold as I was expecting, but a welcome cup of coffee brewed on the beach afterwards, and then we sat there enjoying the tranquility with a few beers... until Jess & Rich took the boat out for a quick play!
Without doubt one of the most beautiful playgrounds I’ve ever been lucky enough to visit: a perfect day: thank you Mez & Rich!
10 Nov 2017
Day one in NZ turned into a bit of an epic - and will be very hard to beat. The perfect antidote for jet lag: up at 06:15 to help sort the first batch of spring lambs for transport. This was just a small load of 300+ lambs for one truck to collect at 10:00. My first experience of attempting to ‘direct’ sheep going through the funnel to the “gate” where Rich selected the Romney lambs ready for market.
315 lambs were loaded onto the truck, and then I watched Rich & Hayden slaughter and prepare four of the “overweight” lambs for their personal use. (There is a precise market weight limit for spring lambs of 25kg carcass weight, and with the super lush grass this year some of the Romneys grow to an impressive size in a mere three months). Witnessing the process has been fascinating, and given me an insight and respect for the work that goes into delivering New Zealand lamb to our supermarkets back in the UK.
After a successful morning’s work, Rich declared it was time to play. We hitched up the Hamilton jet boat to the ute, and drive an hour north up incredile winding dirt road to the Lake Sumner National Park for some action on Lake Taylor. The red jet boat with a 5 litre V8 Chevy engine is an awesome toy, and in the most stunning location; alpine backdrop, clear water and nobody else there.We blasted to the top end of the lake where it was calmer, set up camp on the beach and then had a ski & wakeboard.
The water really wasn’t as cold as I was expecting, but a welcome cup of coffee brewed on the beach afterwards, and then we sat there enjoying the tranquility with a few beers... until Jess & Rich took the boat out for a quick play!
Without doubt one of the most beautiful playgrounds I’ve ever been lucky enough to visit: a perfect day: thank you Mez & Rich!
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| Rich & Mez Power |
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| Jess, Mez & Morag! |
I knew I'd see you behind a speeding boat sooner rather than later Chris! Looks like your both in your element. Living the dream or what? Catch you later, somewehere. Jamie x
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