A Weekend on the Farm-Day 1

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard



Sheep on the farm. We started back far from them, and moved all the way in close, chasing them down along the fence, where we then were able to pick them up.



Manus, one of the farmers that hosted us, herding the sheep into a group so we could try and pick them up.



Gotcha! The sheep were really soft and seemed to enjoy being held once we were able to get at them and pick them up.

 “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial NehruIn mid-October, I spent a weekend at a farm in the Winterburg Mountains, about 3 hours out of Port Elizabeth. It was a trip that was organized by the NMMU International Office. Myself and 13 other students, went with Divinia (International Office) and Shaddley (Bus driver-also in March). We were hosted by 2 families, who were related to each other (cousins), at each of their farms. The farms, in the mountains of South Africa, were just a quick truck drive down the gravel road from each other. Manus and Winnie, and Fransoice and Aurelia, were our host families for the weekend. They were absolutely great hosts, and welcomed us so fully into their homes and onto their farms. The guys stayed the weekend at Manus and Winnie's farm, and we ladies stayed at Fransoice and Aurelia's farm. From the time we arrived Friday at lunchtime, until we left Sunday afternoon, our group spent a lot of time between both farms learning, trying new things, relaxing, and enjoying great food and company.

When we arrived to Manus and Winnie's farm Friday afternoon, we had lunch (sandwiches, homemade desserts, tea/coffee) and then got busy exploring around, learning of the different aspects of Manus and Winnie's farm. Feeding was one of the first things we did. The animal we are feeding below is a big one. I am going to struggle to remember the names of some of them, the pictures will give you a good idea of what they are though, generally speaking :D  (blesbok, kudu, angora sheep/lambs, goats etc.)

nom nom nom nom

corn fed

I really enjoyed seeing the chickens and turkeys. Something about them totally intrigues me. One of those things I just can't quite put my finger on.

This chicken was up to something, hiding out under here, we just knew it....

You've got to chase the turkeys, if you want to catch them. I tried it, got close, but couldn't bring myself to go for the grab. These turkeys are BIG, with thick tough necks!

Milking the cows in the milking barn was another activity on the roster for Friday afternoon. We each took a try at hand milking, as well as tasting milk straight from the cow. The trench which we stood in to milk the cows, was between 2 rows of cows, a cement basin to catch you know what from the backs of the cows (not milk). That made it a bit more risky business, standing down in the trench where the cows do their business, shoulder to shoulder with 15 people. All went well though, and nobody got "blasted" or kicked.  



Removal of the sheeps tail, as well as castration of the male sheep, was another skill Manus taught us. The tail of the sheep is clipped to keep that area of the sheep clean. If the tail remains in place, maggots take over the area because it is unclean, due to bathroom excretment. The male sheep are castrated to prevent sheep from breeding within the same family. Much to our surprise, Manus needed to use his teeth as part of the procedure of castrating the sheep. With the castration pictures below, you will note that, as well as noting the resulting product as a delicacy on a cracker.



After a busy afternoon full of adventure, we enjoyed a tasty home cooked supper at Manus and Winnie's. There was a variety of dishes, reminding me of Thanksgiving, and filling us up similarily. After supper, we enjoyed a fire outside, leaving us nice and toasty, ready for a great nights sleep.



Day 1 at the farm was awesome, as was the rest of the weekend, two more days which I will cover in my next blog.