Day 45 - A Knowles Day in 'Palmy'

Sunday, November 17th, 2013

  Here are our hosts Ngaire, Ava and Bev Knowles with Brady and Harley.

We stayed at the home of my niece, Ngaire, and her children Connor and Hannah. Ava and Bev picked Tina and I up Sunday morning for a tour of the area. After passing Palmerston North landmarks, we went out to a little community called Shannon to browse the many interesting little shops. Then it was on to a farm/restaurant for lunch before heading up the mountain to visit the wind farm.

We have been learning, and admiring, New Zealand's green policies during our time here. Most of this country's power is hydro-electric, produced mostly on the South Island which has fewer than 25% of New Zealand's total population. The North Island has many thermal and geothermal power plants as well as wind farms, such as the one we visited today. I've been told that NZ is the third largest producer of geothermal power in the world, after Iceland and Japan.  Nuclear power is not allowed in this country.

Following our wind farm visit, it was back into town to tour the golf course where Ava golfs (no bunkers!!) adjacent to an army base.  Then there was a visit to a herb farm and a passing view of the university as well as places where Ava and Ngaire work.

                                       

The last two photos are of Connor and Ngaire and Hannah and Ngaire. Notice the beautiful photos of Callan Hannah in the background.

                                 

                                         

Back at Ngaire's, we enjoyed a quiet evening and a good visit.