Monday, January 31, 2011

Hokianga

Leaving the north point, we headed south along the western side of the Northland, known as 90-mile Beach.  We took a short ferry ride into the district of Hokianga, a series of small beach towns along the Hokianga harbor.  The first few shots, looking across to the sand dunes, are taken from the southern headland of the harbor where it meets the Tasman Sea.  Then, after driving along the motorway, the only town road, seeing the steep hills in the distance, we arrived at our second farm, the home of Gail and John Aiken.  They are diligent farmers, dedicated to the practices of Permaculture and Biodynamics.  With a lovely home and two beautiful and abundant gardens, they nearly fully sustain themselves, their family, and one or two wwoofers week after week.  We learned a great deal from them about their farming lifestyle and how the principles of Permaculture (Earth care, People care, and Fair share) can make a big difference in how we live, consume, and give back to the Earth.  The pictures from their farm include: the view from their home atop the hill on Claussen rd., tomato and bean rows, beds of onions and garlic, a freshly cultivated bed waiting to be planted, dahlia flowers, native strawberry, tomatillos, zucchini, pumpkin, chili, healthy chickens ("chooks"), their swimming hole, and dog Carra waiting to fetch.  They also had a gorgeous sunset view.  After leaving, we drove through a native Kauri forest and stopped for a dip at a swimming hole and stream.



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