Cing Jing Veterans Farm

Immediately after finishing their "ice cream" in Puli the boys were piled into the car to be driven up into the mountains to Cing Jing Veterans Farm. A late afternoon storm broke just as the car was parked so Graham had to be carried from the car to the door of the hotel by Super Mum.

The rain curtailed the boys' activities for the rest of the evening. Fortunately, Monday morning was filled with bright sunshine. Straight after breakfast the boys went to see a show. The place was very crowded 20 minutes before the show began.

The boys waited patiently for quite a long time.

A single sheep dog herded a small mob of sheep all the way up the hill and down again while the extravangantly-outfitted "cowboy" gave orders.

It was a very well-prastised show.

The sheep were driven passed the audience so peole could touch and feed them.

One sheep was dragged up on stage and shorn.

After the show, Graham had a go at feeding the sheep.

Craig preferred to renew his acquaintance with the girl who had been on the reunion trip. By amazing coincidence, she and her parents were visiting the same place.

The farm is in the mountains of Central Taiwan where some proper alpine scenery surrounds visitors.

There were some rather twee decorative gardens.

Next on the agenda was a horse riding show. The MC had a very deep voice that he was clearly in love with.

Despite the tiny ring, the show was quite good.

But only a few photos were taken when it was almost over and the riders were waving farewell.

Further attempts were made to take photos of the scenic mountains and valleys.

Craig had decided that he didn't want to smile for the camera any more.

The boys couldn't resist playing with the garden decorations.

A friendly passer-by took a family shot.

Very short horse rides were available that Graham really enjoyed.

But Craig was too nervous to have any fun and couldn't wait to get off.

Craig was soon happy again after being told he could have ice cream.

To get the ice cream, the boys had walked all the way to the top of the hill that the sheep had run up earlier.

After finishing the ice cream and then making the long walk down the hill, the boys visited a mini Swiss Garden.

The defining feature of the garden was a pond full of decorative carp! And a few ducks, to keep them company.

Perhaps the thing that made the garden "Swiss" was the fabulous "Dancing Water" display.

Or maybe the windmill?

After all that fun and adventure it was finally time for the boys to sit back and relax for the long drive home.