On to Nelson

Nelson is at the North tip of the South Island, and you might be able to find it on a map.It is a big tourist spot, and you can see why—the peaceful bay, the long white beaches, the tranquil atmosphere, the semi-Hawaiian relaxed feel, the sailboats tranquilly floating on the ocean; it has all the makings of paradise (and the property prices reflect that, I’m told).

Dorothy and I had a lovely 45 minute flight up here, where we were met at the airport by Scott and his wife (local homeschoolers of course), got a quick tour of the city (with a scenic view stop), and were then transported to their farm about 40 minutes away. They have about a hundred cows and calves, a bunch of sheep, 40+ acres with several buildings and a couple thousand trees on the edge of a forest. Their farm is nestled in among rolling hills, and they produce a lot of their own food, also trading with other local growers for fruits and grains that they don’t grow. Julia, you would think it perfect! It seems that most everyone I have met has at least a few animals for milk or food, and the agrarian culture is strong among the homeschoolers here.

Tomorrow we do the small conference for the Nelson area folks in a cute, very old church near a very, very old graveyard.  I’m feeling at peace, and ready to get an early sleep.