the jourknow: Sheep

Showing posts with label Sheep. Show all posts

Friday, 13 April 2012

The New Zealand Diaries: No.10 - There he blows!

Please, no giggling with this post. For any immature people out there, who struggle to hold it together at times of double entendre, tighten your stomach muscles and take a deep breath. You may need it.

Because my next diary entry from my New Zealand adventure is all about blowholes. Jack's Blowhole, to be precise. Located a twenty minute walk from Jack's Bay, the blowhole is a totally new concept, and certainly something I was eager to find.

Jack's Bay is on the edge of the south-east coast of the South Island, with picturesque landscapes, golden sands and deep blue seas. It's a gorgeous place to be, and with a slight fresh breeze brushing through your hair, it was a fabulous set up for what proved to be quite an adventure.

To get to Jack's blowhole, you walk through herds of sheep (literally right through them), across gates and fences and through meadows, slowly climbing the mountain side. Spotting wildlife as you go on your way, it was generally sad when we reached the famous hole.

So what is a blowhole? Well, it is a hole in the land, of quite a gigantic size, with water trapped inside. The waves and surf from the water, depending on the strength of the current, crash together, sending spray from the hole up into the air. On an unsettled day, the water has been known to hit those peering down into the hole.

Luckily for us, we managed to stay dry. From the various viewing spots around the perimeter of Jack's hole, we got magnificent views of the blowhole. Like a gigantic geyser, it was full of clear blue water, surrounded by sea birds and plants of all different species.

There was something quite mystical about the place. Being so far away from the actual coast (although, underground, it's a different story), the hole was certainly fascinating to peer down and get a feel for the atmosphere.

On reflection, it might have been seen as a big whole in the middle of the ground, but what it turned out to be was a place of intrigue and mystery. A whole full to the brim - literally - with history and interest, which with the stunning landscape and gorgeous walk, made for a fantastic few hours in the Catlins.

Monday, 2 April 2012

The New Zealand Diaries: No.9 - Baaaaaaarmy!

If you were to describe one of the delicacies from New Zealand, a food export which rivals all others, one would say lamb. New Zealand Lamb is world famous, there's no doubt about it. Tender, fresh and high quality.

So would it surprise you if I admitted the only bit of lamb I 'had' was a picture taken next to one? Because, wants you see the beautiful, gorgeous animals strolling across the fields, you find it very hard to contemplate eating one!

The New Zealand sheep are cute and cuddly, surrounding towns and villages across the South Island. Sheep are popular with farmers, despite the government drive to focus farming on dairy. From village to village, you'll find at least half a dozen or so farmers tending to their sheep.

Sheep are big business in New Zealand. Besides the meat which is found and highly regarded across the globe, their wool is world renown too. 'Merino wool' is luxurious and highly expensive, a favourite with tourists who visit the island.

Sheep have something of a high status in New Zealand too. Forget your television or radio presenters, the real celebrities are often New Zealand's animals. We recently had 'Happy Feet' the penguin, but before him, came 'Shrek' the Sheep. Shrek's story is known throughout the world; a sheep who, after 6 years in the wild yet never sheared, was found and became the nation's new hero. He met the New Zealand PM, and was even flown to an Iceberg in the Pacific Ocean. Crazy huh?

But it just goes to show how much New Zealand cherishes their fluffy friends, even if it does sound immature and barmy. Yet, it put me off lamb whilst I was there. There was something deeply unsettling about waking up to a field of sheep, and then anticipating a few lamb chops for lunch. No thank you!

Alas, I am not a born again vegetarian. I just appreciate sheep a little more than I used to. So Father Christmas, the only thing on my list this year is a few fluffy lambs for Christmas! BAAAAA.

The second to last photo is of Shrek, courtesy of the Otago Museum

Friday, 3 February 2012

The New Zealand Diaries: No.2 - The Good Life

One thing that we British take for granted is our villages. Quaint, thatched houses surrounded by fields and woodland, with a traditional free house nestled in the centre. The local shop provides you with all the essentials, the local butcher fills you up with a succulent joint every Sunday, and the historic church with its staple ivy-covered tombstones keeps the cogs of village life ticking. As British as the union jack.

Or is it? Because, even on the other side of the world, similarities can start to be drawn. In the South Island of New Zealand – home to a population of just 1 million – family-orientated villages are all the range. Quirky styled cottages alongside neatly pruned wisteria. A friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel more of a ‘regular’ than a ‘tourist’, as you settle down outside the blazing sun for a pint of the local bitter.

On my travels, I was fortunate enough to go and visit some of these ‘midsummer-esque’ villages. If you work in the city, it is often cheaper – and a lot calmer – to live in a house outside the city. With plenty of land and views to die for, you would be mad not to want the village way of life. Chilling outside, with sheep as your neighbours, you can see why many of the locals, and even foreigners, envy the laid-back lifestyle of the NZ village scene.

Outram, where my father lives, is your standard New Zealand village. A mix of modern and traditional buildings, with its very own High Street, featuring; two coffee shops, one convenience store, three gift shops, a garden centre, two garages, a bar and a butcher. Elsewhere in the village, the various churches and halls suggest a friendly, active community is at the heart of this picture-perfect village.

Elsewhere, other villages provide a glimpse into the rich heritage of New Zealand’s culture. The village of Lawrence is a favourite for tourists, with its various coffee shops and emporiums adding a cosmopolitan feel to a place full of history. It also boasts its own museum, which is a must-see for any sightseer. On the other hand, Tapanui, resting by the side of the Blue Mountains, offered a completely different atmosphere. A quiet, peaceful place where everybody knows one another. If you do get the chance to visit, make sure you try the world-famous Hokey-Pokey ice cream from the local shop. I guarantee you have never tried anything like it before!

In an ever-changing world that we live in, one dominated by technology and mass culture, it was more than a welcoming change to go back to basics and settle for the harmonious lifestyle of yesterday’s world. Which is something we take for granted in UK, and makes me wonder if the UK village scene is all a bit superficial, clinging on for dear life. Because, with the various villages dotted all over the South Island, and across New Zealand, you will find the one that is just right for you - and they will all have their own story to tell!

Pictures taken from Outram.