We crossed Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown on a historic steamship, TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station. The steamship was in service for 57 years and now used for pleasure cruising. (I will say for a person who easily gets motion-sick, the cruise across the lake was smooth and not a problem for me.) We arrived at the Walter Peak Station where our tour group had a buffet-style farewell dinner. Many other tourists were also here for dinner and just like us also for the “farm show”. This place is beautiful, in a lovely location and the dinner was delicious! I truly did get my fill of lamb meat at dinners on the New Zealand portion of my travels.
The “farm show”, included the shearing of a Merino sheep… happy to be rid of the warmth of the wool it was carrying on its body! Merino sheep are only sheared one time a year. It’s spring time here and this sheep was ready for a shearing! This man did a very professional job shearing this sheep!
The “farm show” continued with a short-haired Border collie and its owner demonstrating how the dog herds sheep simply by his voice commands. That dog can run! Before I knew it, the dog was running uphill to the peak and herding the sheep for their movement down the hill. It was truly impressive how the dog responds to the commands and the sheep were moved into a pen within 3 minutes. I wish you could have seen it!
We had time to walk the property which included wonderful vistas, other animals and flowers, and lots of open space! I loved being able to absorb the beauty of it all, reflect on my time in New Zealand, and ready myself for the long flights home. Back on the steamship, we sang as the piano player banged out at least 30 different songs! It was fun, but I was also ready to go home!
Farewell New Zealand!
As my blog posts continue, I may think about specific incidents to share and write. I know I will hold many more memories than what has been written these past weeks. To travel “down under” to Australia and New Zealand had been life-long dream that has now been realized. I am fortunate and grateful to have been able to fulfill this dream. May I wish you the same with your dreams! Dream on!