Making memories

Happy new year to everyone!

This new year holds a lot of anticipation for us here at the farm. As I mentioned in my last post, we are currently in the midst of a major shift and renovation on the accommodation side of things while also enhancing the aesthetics of the property here and the experiences we hope to offer folks. Over this last month we completed renovating our two riverside chalets and we are very pleased with the outcome. I personally enjoyed getting involved in this project. On the last weekend before completion date, we pulled in a large crew to give the final push. Young and old, skilled or not, all were happy to lend a hand. There was such an atmosphere of zeal and energy, as people weaved in and out with various tasks. Paint brushes flew, light switches were wired in, hand crafted cabinetry was carefully fitted into the kitchen, while outside excavators and shovels were gently landscaping the surrounding to compliment the art being crafted inside. Just when energy levels began to drop, Tammy brought round freshly baked raspberry chocolate muffins. Tammy is a legend at this. Our latest guests commented on the bounty of freshly baked goods left for them in the cabin, the loaves of bread, biscotti, muesli and of course her raspberry muffins.

We’ve rented these two cabins out to 5 guests bookings now who have all greatly enjoyed their stay and we anticipate more bookings in the upcoming weeks.  

A glimpse into a day in the life at Mohaka

A gentle breeze tugged teasingly on my wide brim hat as I attempted to buckle my fire engine red life jacket. All around me friends exchanged life jackets trying to find the perfect fit. The wind continued to pick up speed, tossing the willows that lined the river bed from side to side. I was grateful for the respite the wind provided, taking off the sharp edge of the sun’s blazing rays. It was 12:30 and we were about to embark on a 3-4-hour rafting excursion down the Mohaka river ending at Glen falls. In front of us, floating on the water’s edge, was an 8 person raft, 2 inflatable kayaks, 2 hard shell kayaks and 3 inner tubes.  I’m afraid I can be rather skeptical at times, and looking out at this flotilla and at the prodigious group of amateur youths lining the bank I had to wonder whether our skippers weren’t being a little auspicious and unrealistic with the seating arrangements. But Boone, in an affable manner, somehow divided us amongst the vessels and surprisingly there was enough paddles for everyone, even a few extra. Already the boys, itching to go, were wildly chasing each other with astounding speed across the river on their kayaks. I turned from my front position in the main raft to see JJ lying on an inner tube, arms stretched forward frantically doggy paddling, in his fierce attempt to keep up with the other, more equipped paddlers. With a strong push Boone launched our raft out into the current and we were on our way. With Boone and Noah as our guides and engine at the back, and the rest of us trying to do our share of the paddling, I was surprised at how slowly our raft seemed to creep forward along the water. A quick glance back explained why. Joseph and Geert were placidly reclined on an inner tube tied by a rope to our raft, adding extra mass to the overall weight but without the energy to support it. All around us kayaks were encircling the raft much like a school of sharks ready to attack us with vigorous paddle sprays at any point. An approaching rapid forced these intrepid kayakers to forget their pirate attacks on us and focus on the task at hand. On board the raft, Boone urged us to pick up speed as we neared our first rapid. With great enthusiasm I began scooping my paddle into the water throwing all my strength into each stroke. I’m a bit of an all or nothing person. Before I knew it, the raft was drastically overpowered on my side and the rowing rhythm had lost its steady beat. “A little less on the left would be appreciated there Taliah! We’ve got to save our stamina for the whole 3 hours remember?!” Boone was commanding me like a good captain while laughing heartily at the same time.  I sighed. The joy of working with others in a team is that you learn how much faster and further you can go when you move as one unit, rather than a bunch of individuals.

 Cool, invigorating droplets sprung up at our faces as we bumped over each rapid, squeals and laughter erupting from the girls with shouts of “keep up the mahi team!”. As is the custom of such events, we soon found ourselves trading positions with each other and I ended up in an inflatable kayak with my older brother.  Ari, an avid and belligerent attacker kept cornering Oscar and I with showers of paddle spray. Wanting to get him back, we seized the perfect opportunity and silently creeped behind his kayak while he was distracted spraying the other paddlers. Once in reaching distance, Oscar tentatively unscrewed the lid on the rear of his kayak, the lid that kept the water out. With our precious plunder we paddled away with great speed and tossed the cap to the main raft. When Ari realised what happened and the peril predicament he was in, he very quickly convinced the main raft to hand it back to him. Frustrated at their quick capitulation to his request, we increased our efforts and successfully stole the cap from him two more times. Not a little racked up, Ari came swooping in and attempted to unsettle Oscar from the vessel. Again, I grasped the opportunity and unscrewed the cap once more while Ari’s back was to me. But in reaching over I tipped the kayak and we both fell into the water, still with the plastic lid in my hand. Immediately Ari saw my mischievous act and realising I couldn’t get the kayak flipped over without his help I handed the lid back to him. Here we were trying to sink his ship and instead we go overboard! Safely back in our positions, all conflict resolved, we carried on down the river to catch up the rest of our contingent. Oscar and I were gently gliding ahead of the others when I turned back at the sound of yelling and hooting. I looked back to see 4 boys straddling a one person kayak that was balanced precariously on top of two inner tubes. This make shift vessel was manned by 4 boys with only 2 paddles and they were now stuck in a strong eddy beside a large rapid. Again and again, they strained forward with the oars, as they travailed to escape their swirling enemy. I laughed at JJ still frantically doggy paddling with wild vigour at the front of this strange boat, while Ari yelled out commands and the two rowers thrust the paddles into the water, their mussels bulging. With one last surge of strength they tapped into the main current and inched their way back into the flow. An uneventful hour followed with plenty of laughter and comeraderie. Soon our destination came into view as we approached the bank where our parents and friends came to pick us up. Hearty snacks followed and we packed up the gear and headed back to the farm. 

What do you think? Do you find the time and space to make memories like this with your loved ones and friends? Activities like this do so much more than meet a physical need to get out and burn off energy. They create opportunities for relationship, fun, laughter, problem solving and creativity. Why not come out to Mohaka River Farm with your friends and relatives and make memories like this? Maybe take a horse trek across the ranges or take a fishing tour down the river. Or just come and explore the beautiful property.