The Exchange Teachers’ Association of Western Australia organized a Farmstay weekend for us in the agricultural area of Boyanup, a couple of hours south of Perth.
The next day we started with sheepdog trials. It is pretty amazing how quickly these dogs can get the ‘wayward’ sheep in order (far easier than it is for Mike to bring his PE ‘animals’ to order!).
Next up was a gentleman who restores old gas pumps. It was amazing, both with how he refurbishes them and the historical nostalgia involved. The oldest was a French one from 1908. There was an old Gulf pump which made me remember my first job back at Couch’s Station in Mississauga.
On the Friday we visited the primary school in Boyanup, a rural school of under 100 students who have a school garden that helps support their canteen. Great kids who were very eager to hear about snow.We had a visit to a dairy farm in the afternoon where the kids were lucky to find out where their milk came from. We were offered pure milk right from the vat, but only the parents seemed to take the opportunity.
The afternoon involved a side trip to Gnomesville- a meeting place of three roads where thousands of people have left garden gnomes. Some have names, some stories attached or set up in scenarios, and some witty sayings (do the Highland people remember- Gnome or School).
We managed to finish the day in time to return home and watch the Eagles (Liam’s favourite team in Aussie Rules Football) take victory over Carleton.
