Day 4: Al-paca-Raincoat

Wind and rain couldn’t dampen our spirits today. The mountain was on hold and called for a Plan B, but we were far from disappointed with the outcome. The first stop on our itinerary was the Riccarton Rotary Markets. 

These markets are one of the biggest outdoor markets in New Zealand and offered a variety stalls for us to peruse. The purses of some students are lighter as they chose to sample almost ALL of the foods on offer; mini donuts, Danishes, croissants, hot chips and waffles just to name a few. Other goods on sale ranged from local Manuka honey hand creams to collectable antiques. 

Those that were yet to put together an outfit for our $5 Formal dress up evening thought that they had hit the jackpot when they stumbled across a second hand clothing stall offering all shirts and dresses for $2 and blazer jackets for $3! Some of us couldn’t pass up the bargains and now have several outfits to choose from. Nemo, Cyrus, Moe and Lewyn will certainly be in the running for best dressed with their purchases!

 So, with full shopping bags it was back on the bus and off to our next stop, Springfield. Here we didn’t have any adrenaline pumping activities to do, just one very famous pie shop to visit. Hands made cold by blustery winds were quickly warmed with some of the best pies any of us have ever had the pleasure of eating. It was perhaps the quietest the group has been so far… With rain fast approaching we retreated to the warmth of the bus once again and headed onwards towards the main event.

  

Soon we arrived in Rubicon Valley, a third generation sheep farm where we were to participate in a farm show and enjoy a spin on the jet boats, however the weather had other ideas. The rain began to fall, and showed little sign of giving up and it soon became apparent that the jet boat was going to have to wait. Farmer Chris though was confident that we would still enjoy the farm show and he wasn’t wrong. Before we could begin we had to adorn our ski gear to protect us from the rain and keep us dry and warm! Once dressed we followed Chris outside where we introduced to his two border collies, Blue and Flynn. Chris informed us of the different commands that he used to direct the dogs and guide the sheep to where they needed to be, before putting them to work and herding a small flock through the gates in front of us. He certainly made it look easy enough, but it wasn’t long before we realised just how hard it was. Danette and Brianna were selected to play the role of sheep dogs and the group had to use the right commands to direct them to repeat the task demonstrated by the dogs. The girls did not succeed in herding the sheep, but they certainly succeeded in entertaining us!

Danette chasing sheep.

Brianna herding sheep. 

Whist Chris’ farm focuses on sheep, he also breeds alpacas and has seventeen on his property. Much to the delight of the students, three of these were brought up from the paddock providing a fantastic photo opportunity for anyone who was keen for a cuddle. After this it was time to head inside for a chat and a sheering demonstration. 

Cyrus sheering a sheep.

Chris provided us with some great facts about both sheep and alpacas, leaving most in awe of his knowledge and experiences. With the chat over, it was on to the practical component of the show. He brought out a ewe and showed us how to sheer a sheep with the electric clippers. Before he was done, he switched to the hand sheers to illustrate just how different the process could be. It also provided those that were brave enough, the amazing opportunity to come out the front and give it a go themselves. Our session wound down with some souvenir shopping, hot chocolate and amazing home-made biscuits, scones and lolly cake, because clearly we hadn’t eaten enough today!