Our day in Napier was delightful. We got to sleep in a bit as we didn’t dock until noon. Then Dale and I took a tour of a goat and sheep farm. For you farmers it probably wouldn’t have been very interesting but for us city people it was. The farmer and his 9 year old son gave us a great tour of their operation which milks 1400 goats, collects eggs from 240 chickens and raises sheep and assorted other animals.
The goats are milked almost automatically (someone attaches the milking apparatus to each goat) in a constant procession; as one enters her stall another one is leaving, very relieved.
Their goats spend their entire lives, of 6 to 8 productive years, inside this enclosure which keeps them away from the worms in the fields. The milk is dried and made into baby formula. I was thinking it would be cheese, but no. The cold milk they offered us tasted good on this hottest day of their summer so far.
Two sheep dogs gave us a good demonstration of maneuvering the flock as the shepherd gave them whistled directions and then the farmer sheared a sheep for us. Since wool is not in as much demand as it was previously we were told that it actually costs the farmer to have their sheep shorn but there is no choice since the sheep can’t keep their heavy coats.
Arriving back at the ship we got to enjoy the display of antique cars and the music of an enthusiastic and talented group courtesy of the Port of Napier whose Main Street is an impressive city scape of Art Deco architecture. The band played on until we pulled out — a very nice parting gift.
We visited with friends who have a larger room than ours and thought you’d like to see another room option.
We certainly are enjoying having and making friends here!
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