Another Day in Sheep’s Paradise - New Zealand
CASTING PRACTICE
Greetings again from Mt. Nicholas sheep station. It was clear and sunny today, for the first time since we arrived in New Zealand. We took advantage of the weather with a full day of outdoor activities. Now, slightly sunburnt, and completely exhausted, we are in for a wee sleep.
India and I went for a run at sunrise. Bruce drove us about 5 kilometers from the house, to a dirt track next to the lake. With the sun rising behind us, and the mountains reflected in the lake’s still waters, we ran another 5 kilometers along the lake before turning and running all the way back to the house. We found it a little difficult to find our rhythm, because we had to stop to open gates or cross rivers every 5 minutes or so. We both ended up with soaked feet. It was one of the most beautiful runs I have ever been on.
After breakfast, we went down to fish in Lake Wakatipu. Lu played on the rock beach, and even went swimming, while Zola, India, Bruce and I made cast after cast. There appeared to be fish in the water: occasionally they would leap out to taunt us. After 90 minutes, none of us had even gotten a nibble. Very different from the embarrassment of riches at Doubtful Sound. We decided to refer to the outing as “casting practice,” declare victory, and go off to play with the sheep dogs’ puppies.
In the afternoon, India, Bruce and I went for a fast walk around the mountain lagoon that supplies water to the hydropwer generator. The hydropower system is an incredibly simple pipe and water wheel with a generator. It was built in 1953, and has been in virtually continuous operation since then.
Bruce told us a story about a group of nearby farmers, whose farms were being overrun by (non-native) rabbits about 15 yeas ago. The farmers smuggled over a virus from Australia which is lethal to this species of rabbits. After much drama, and stealthy action, including an exchange at sea of cash for vials of pathogen, and clandestine meetings in remote barns, the farmers successfully introduced the virus into the rabbit population. The resulting pandemic has nearly wiped out the rabbits. The farmers stepped forward, boldly, and told the authorities what they had done. They were greeted with shouts of adulation from the farming community, and by criminal charges from the federal police. The story would make a terrific movie, unless the rabbits are too cute and cuddly to be credible bad guys.
Tallulah and Adrienne had built a bonfire on the lakeside beach yesterday afternoon. Just before sunset, we went down to the water, lit the fire, and toasted marshmallows. Both kids were surprised that New Zealand marshmallows were different from the ones they are used to. A classic Zola quote: “Dad, these marshmallows seem very sweet, and they are quite soft and squishy.” Maybe India had somehow been tricking them into toasting bran muffins on sticks back in the Catskills.
A SUBMERSIBLE THREAT TO MARITIME COMMERCE
Zola and I took advantage of the sun and the still waters to take the kayaks out on Lake Wakatipu. Once we were on the water, he immediately became a U-boat, torpedoing my Allied merchant vessel. Then he insisted that we do kayak jousting, which was actually sort of fun.
Overall, another active, beautiful day in sheep’s paradise, New Zealand.