Wow! We had a great time at Autumn Farm once again. Ian went for most of Naked Week, where the weather was partially cooperative, but the guys were relaxed and friendly. We got another 20 or so sign ups for our prize draw of a free weekend for two, so now we have over 100. Philip arrived on the Saturday, Ian toiled all the way back to Nelson airport to collect him, over the Takaka Hill which is reputed to have 365 bends and may be the longest single hill crossing in New Zealand.
Anyway, with his arrival came the good weather and, sadly, the departure the next day of many of the men who had been there for Naked Week. A small group stayed on to enjoy the good weather, fortunately including some friends old and new. A couple of guys arrived before our departure, Paul & Steve, who live part time in NZ (Queenstown). We soon buddied up with them, and Steve, enthusiastic about our Lodge project, offered to create for us a piece of his art work interpreting our Dragon Tree theme. This is pretty special since his work has been collected by no less than Oprah herself, honey.
Steve is on the left above.
We left feeling relaxed after being in such beautiful surroundings and hardly having to lift a finger other than to go down to the supermarket to buy some more wine.
Autumn Farm is developing a new website at present, so check it out. We can recommend the hospitality there, and are grateful to Peter & Pete for letting us promote our accommodation business to the campers.
We are going to add a page to our website about Wwoofing (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) which basically means accommodation & meals in exchange for 4 hours work 6 days a week. Philip and I want to offer this option to men who enjoy gardening and other manual work who want to save money while travelling in New Zealand. Wwoofing can be for just a few days or for longer periods.
