Friday, March 10, 2006

The Real New Zealand

A wise friend back in the States told us before we left, You haven’t been to New Zealand until you’ve had to drive through a herd of animals on the road.
Well, as of today, we’ve been to New Zealand.
On the way to the half-marathon we met a herd of cattle on the road. First we saw the lead car with a hand-made sign instructing us to "SLOW: STOCK." Then we passed a man on a four-wheeled ATV leading the herd. Then we slowed and waded our little Toyota through a hundred head of cattle plodding their way along the pavement, bellowing their indignant protests to the obstacle our vehicle presented. At last we passed the lone farmer in his muck-boots, pacing along the road, switch in hand, prodding the beasts onward.
The herd had covered about four kilometers of road before we crossed its path. Pity the guy who has to clean the mudflaps and sidepanels of our rental car.

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