So how was Cromwell? Gorgeous! Stunning! Wonderful!  All of them accurately describe how amazingly beautiful that part of the South Island of New Zealand is. The car drive from Queenstown airport to Cromwell took longer than it should have because I had to keep getting out to take photos of the scenery. I was made incredibly welcome by my friend, Tash who put me up, and her mother Merryll and her partner Lex, who own Brookvale Cherries. They let me spend the day with them asking questions and showed me around the orchard and  and packing house. They were very patient and didn’t mind how stupid my questions were. I knew the weather played a big part in producing a good crop but had no idea how much damage bad weather could do. Cromwell has cold winters and hot summers which is ideal for growing cherries. But if the temperature drops too much it can damage the buds forming on the trees, if it rains too much it can make the fruit swell and ruin it. When cold or rain threatens, helicopters get called in to help force warm air down onto the trees, or in the case of rain the helicopters hover over the orchard like giant clothes dryers to blow away the moisture. Great stuff for a writer and I’m looking forward to starting the book when I finish writing Glenn and Sherry’s story.

I also want to thank Michael and Gai Paradekooper who own the Paperplus store in Cromwell for arranging an author night for me at Feast’s Restaurant in the mall. It was held the same night that the local people were encouraged to do their shopping in their pyjamas to receive a discount on their Christmas shopping. Michael’s PJs bore a striking resemblance to the the Netherlands football kit but the piece de resistance had to be the yellow duck he carried on his arm. I DID enter the Annual Cherry Spit contest the following day – against my better judgement  I might add. I should have listened to my better judgement, I managed two metres with my one and only spit and was beaten by a six-year-old girl who managed four metres. I wisely retired. Gai Paardekooper proved to be a champion spitter and I plan to employ her as my personal trainer if I return in December 2010 to try and improve my record. Merryll and Lex sent me a box of cherries for Christmas and I’ve been practising in the garden. On Christmas Day I doubled my distance and managed to hit the water tank. It was a proud moment.  When my computer and I are on speaking terms I will post some photos.

Best Wishes,

Michelle