Rotorua to Auckland, Day 14 - June 29, 2000


Our final full day was our worst weather wise. It rained all day and kept us from fully enjoying the things that Rotorua had to offer.


We visited Paradise Valley Springs to see the wildlife. The biggie was the trout pond. We were issued umbrellas for our trip through the park. I'm always afraid I'll miss a picture opportunity. I did get a nice picture of a deer but the trout weren't up for pictures today. Bill was the smart one. He waited in the restaurant.


On to the boiling mud and geysers. If you've been to Yellowstone, just imagine a smaller version. The main geyser usually erupts a couple of times each hour but, when we were there, it had been erupting for 109 days straight. We were once again issued umbrellas for this visit. With the umbrella over our heads and a sweater over the camera we walked past the geyser. It was then that the wind kicked up and blew the spray in our direction. Or more exactly, it soaked us. With my jeans clinging to me, I was ecstatic that our next stop was inside.


The Agrodome was warm and comfortable, just the place to dry out. And on top of that, the show was great. The host brought out nineteen sheep; one of each breed raised in New Zealand and lined them on platforms in a pyramid shape. The merino is the champion wool giver. Then the sheep dogs came out. First one herded some ducks and then he was sent up the backs of the sheep to the top of the pyramid. The other two dogs were sent up the lower level. Directions for working were given by whistling. Amazing workers. I got in line to have my picture taken with the sheep and dogs.


They moved on to the cow and brought three people from the audience to milk her. They followed with the lambs and baby bottles. What cuties.


One of the main reasons for growing sheep is to harvest the wool. The sheep grow it but they still have to be sheared. I always enjoy watching the process. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Naked, they look like a different species.


Bill was looking once again at the sheepskins but he really didn't have time to make up his mind for now it was time to get back in the bus for the trip back to Auckland. Our trip was nearing an end.









LINKS

Paradise Valley Springs
Agrodome

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