What can I say, the west coast is... wet. It rains pretty much every day here, making the sunny moments that much more stunning. After a difficulty finding farms, we managed to get a wwoof at the end of the northwest coast, in Karamea. Meaning we only had 1 week to see the lovely glaciers. Unfortunately, the cafe / "farm" turned out to be a true disappointment full of crap (both in terms of junk and the hosts). This made us appreciate our previous farms and the hosts even more.
In light of this misfortunate situation Lan managed to put on her superstar hat once again and found us work on a real farm just south of Greymouth. This came at pretty much perfect timing as several severe rain storms passed through, which no doubt would have flooded our little tent.
Upon our arrival we were both shocked and nervous to learn that we would be part of the milking team, milking some 200 jersey cows (which produce milk with 6% fat rather than the usual 3%). It was both a great and fearful experience, great that we learned a new skill and now have a new appreciation for milk. However, we "lived in constant fear" of getting the next greenish brown squirt on the head. At times we had to wonder whether we were collecting milk or poo in the milking barn ("sunhats" were a must).
Aside from the milking shed, we also enjoyed some great company, great food, made butter and yoghurt, and most of all celebrated Lanna's Birthday, what a hoot!! Oh ya, who needs a quad to round up 200 cows before sunrise when you have a pedal bike, a flashlight, and Mr. Bo Jangles (the farm dog).
Now off to the East Coast via Arthur's Pass.
In light of this misfortunate situation Lan managed to put on her superstar hat once again and found us work on a real farm just south of Greymouth. This came at pretty much perfect timing as several severe rain storms passed through, which no doubt would have flooded our little tent.
Upon our arrival we were both shocked and nervous to learn that we would be part of the milking team, milking some 200 jersey cows (which produce milk with 6% fat rather than the usual 3%). It was both a great and fearful experience, great that we learned a new skill and now have a new appreciation for milk. However, we "lived in constant fear" of getting the next greenish brown squirt on the head. At times we had to wonder whether we were collecting milk or poo in the milking barn ("sunhats" were a must).
Aside from the milking shed, we also enjoyed some great company, great food, made butter and yoghurt, and most of all celebrated Lanna's Birthday, what a hoot!! Oh ya, who needs a quad to round up 200 cows before sunrise when you have a pedal bike, a flashlight, and Mr. Bo Jangles (the farm dog).
Now off to the East Coast via Arthur's Pass.
Franz Josef Glacier in all it's glory.
Lanna's "all dressed pie" at Blanchfield's Bakery (est. 1892).
My Pie didn't have peas and potatoes on top...
Morning milking at Fern Valley Jerseys
...hoping the bench won't break...
Off to round up the cows for the afternoon milking.
picture says it all...cuuuuutie!
Trying to avoid the golden shower while getting the cups on.
Fence repairs.
Arthur's pass, cold and tired from a week of milking.
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