The Shire

 Today we visited the Shire. Babs is the one who got to ride in the backpack today. We had an early morning for us with our alarm going off at 6am

We did make a bathroom and drink stop about halfway to the shire, which was nice as we hadn’t eating before meeting our tour van. 

We even pasted the sign for Buckland as we approached the area to the shire 

The area was lovely

Babs refused to stay in the backpack and wanted to really get involved

The hobbit holes were so fun

Each having their own character 

If you looked carefully, you might be able to guess the profession of the owners of each home

Some were more elaborate than others

While some had wares out to sell

In Hobbiton the higher up on the hill and the bigger your place, the higher your standing

Many had such nice kept gardens

Even the smallest hobbit holes were well cared for 

Babs helps out as we went around. 

Each place had a personality of it own

Babs was checking the the mail at Frodo’s place

She also was helping out the baker

The beekeeper was getting the honey ready for selling

When we got to the party field Babs had a hard time deciding what to do first, play ten pins

Teeter tottering 

Maypole dancing

Or just relaxing under the party tree 

After the party field we trekked towards the Green Dragon

The path was meandering and lovely as we pasted streams

And denser forests

We arrived just in time for international Hobbit Day

The stalls were getting set up for the afternoon’s market

With all kinds of baked goods

Meats and cheeses

Fruits and veggies 

We strolled up to the Green Dragon tavern

Babs spent a minute at the troubadour harp, but it was very out of tune

We also scouted out the outside ovens

And doors

Inside were lovely treats to indulge in

As well as heading to the bar to get our drinks that our guide was giving us

To view outside from the tap room was peaceful setting today

Babs waited patiently for us to be ready to get our drinks

She choose a quiet table near the back

After our drinks she waited for the group to be ready to head out

The Hobbiton set is on a working farm that runs 13,000 sheep each year, plus a few hundred cows

After our lunch back near where our van was parked, we headed back to Auckland. After a browse through the gift shop of course

At the Hampton downs racetrack for a treat and drink

There was a car practicing on the track while we went in to the cafe

They had some pretty expensive toys in the back area we could look at.

We arrived back in Auckland late afternoon and as the rain had started again, we just spent some time relaxing in our room playing games.

You all have been treated to a small number of the many pictures I took today. It was a cloudy day, but the trip there kept my spirits light and happy.