The GypsyNesters

5 Islands To Visit When Exploring The Great Barrier Reef

Do you have an upcoming trip to the Great Barrier Reef or surrounding areas? As one of the seven great natural wonders of the world, it’s an exciting place to visit. There’s nothing like snorkeling in the crystal clear ocean, checking out the Reef and the tropical fish flitting about underwater as you snorkel around. It’s a majestic experience.

Yet a whole ecosystem surrounds the Great Barrier Reef, including several tropical island paradises within a short distance. You will sell yourself short on your trip if you don’t visit some of them.

Yet which islands should you visit? It can be a bit tricky to decide, so that’s why we’ve put together this helpful article. You’ll learn the top five islands to visit when exploring this lush part of the world. Read on to find out more.

Hamilton Island

This is a popular destination, so I suggest booking comfortable Hamilton Island accommodation as soon as you lock in your visit to the Great Barrier Reef.

This island is one of the largest of the 74 islands from what is called the Whitsundays. If you want to relax at a resort with a cocktail in hand, this is the place to be. Plenty of family-friendly accommodation is also available, so you can enjoy some special quality time with the kids too.

Another beauty of note is those pristine landscapes Australia is famous for. With so much to do, why not hire a kayak or take a glass bottom boat tour around the island’s waters? And, for an extra special trip, take a day trip out to the reef to explore the wonders lurking just below the surface.

It’s definitely worth checking out the lovely and welcoming Hamilton Island Beach Club during your stay. This is the ideal dpot to park yourself after a long day of adventuring, and grab a leisurely bite to eat and a refreshing beverage or three.

Furthermore, you could charter a yacht and go for a sail or stay on the island and hire a golf buggy to take a leisurely tour of the island. Whatever you decide to do, this is a tropical paradise that is well worth a visit.

Lady Musgrave Island

Lady Musgrave island is another must-visit island during your Great Barrier Reef experience. It’s perfect for first-time snorkelers as well as more experienced scuba divers. But wait, there’s more! It’s also excellent for camping; in fact, it’s the only way you can stay overnight on the island. Be aware that due to its popularity, it’s capped at 39 people, so you’ll need to book a permit. You’ll also need to ensure that you pack everything you’ll be needing, including water. So this may not be the best for inexperienced campers. But, if you’re one of the groups that decide to go, you’ll be rewarded by its tropical climate, stunningly clear waters and lush flora.

Lady Eliot Island

Continuing our theme of femininely named islands, Lady Eliot Island is the next place you have to check out. Divers are utterly spoiled for choice here, as there are around twenty diving sites, all within a 10-minute boat ride. Snorkelers will have fun, too, especially in the shallow lagoon with picturesque clear water. The water is around 18-20 degrees celsius, almost like a lukewarm bath, an incredibly enticing offer.

This island is relatively isolated, so you won’t find huge crowds. It’s also a twitchers paradise, with a vast amount of birdlife to spot. If you visit between November and February, you may also see nesting loggerhead and green and hawksbill turtles. Between May and June, you may also catch some massive manta rays in the ocean. There’s no signal however, so it’s perfect for a tech detox if you feel like unplugging for a while. Clean and comfortable cabins are available, so you can have some comfort during your stay, and a place to lounge about and read or snooze.

Magnetic Island

Magnetic island is a gorgeous spot located just a twenty-minute ferry ride from Townsville. Still, it’s a touch different to the other islands mentioned above. This is due to its predominantly rocky landscape. The island is filled with woodlands and huge granite boulders. This sets it apart from the tropical rainforest that covers the other Great Barrier Reef islands.

You’ll find excellent off-shore snorkelling at the Geoffrey Bay snorkel trail, or you can explore the two historic World War Two military forts at Forts Walk. The kids will love meeting and cuddling koalas at the Bungalow Bay Koala village or taking a horse ride along the beach.

Pumpkin Island

This is the island to visit if you want to avoid the mass tourist crowds. This is because Pumpkin Island is a private eco-retreat that promises peace, quiet, beautiful natural scenery and crystal clear waters. You will experience magazine-quality levels of wildlife experiences no matter when you visit. Depending on the time of year, you can see nesting birds, humpback whales, and a host of gorgeous monarchs and other butterflies.

Also on offer are off-shore snorkelling, glass bottom kayak hire, or paddle boards. There’s also great fishing if that’s your vibe. You can hook Spanish mackerel, coral trout or even giant trevally. Imagine a fresh catch to take back to cook up for dinner, yum!

A Cruisy Conclusion

This helpful article shares our top five islands to visit when exploring the Great Barrier Reef. These lush, scenic tropical islands offer a range of experiences, from snorkelling to scuba diving, camping, wildlife and bird spotting and more. Make sure you visit them all on your trip to make the most of being in Australia’s tropical north.

A Road Accident While Traveling? Here Are Some Ways a Lawyer Can Help You

A lawyer can help you navigate the complicated legal process and get the compensation you deserve. So if you’ve been in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer today… CONTINUE READING >>

When you’re in a car accident, there are a lot of things going through your mind. First and foremost, you’re worried about your safety and the safety of your loved ones. You may also be concerned about the financial implications of the accident, especially if you’re not at fault. And finally, you may be wondering what to do next.

You must know your rights if you’ve been in a car accident. And if you need help enforcing those rights, you must know you have options. That’s where lawyers come in. A good car accident lawyer can help you file a claim with the insurance company, get compensation for medical expenses and property damage, and more.

No matter your situation, it’s essential to know that a car accident lawyer can help if you’ve been in a car accident. Here are some of the ways lawyers can help if you’ve been involved in a car accident:

Filing a Lawsuit

When it comes to lawsuits, there are a few things that need to be considered before anything can happen. The first thing you need to do is find a good lawyer. A good lawyer will know the legal system’s ins and outs and can help you file your lawsuit in a timely manner. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not filing a lawsuit is the best course of action for you.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting task, but with the help of a good lawyer, it can be much easier. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, motorbike accident lawyers can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Make sure you research and find someone who knows what they’re doing. With their help, you can get the compensation you deserve.

Filing an Insurance Claim

If you’ve been in a car accident, one of the most important things to do is file a claim with your insurance company. This will help you get the compensation you deserve for the damages to your vehicle and property. Filing a claim can be tricky, so it’s essential to have a lawyer on your side who can help you through the process.

When filing a claim, there are a few things you’ll need to provide:

- Your name and contact information
- The date and time of the accident
- The location of the accident
- The names of any witnesses to the accident
- The names of any police officers who responded to the scene
- A description of the damage done to your vehicle and property

Remember that you may also need to provide additional documentation, such as medical records or repair bills. Your lawyer will be able to help you gather all of this information and make sure it’s submitted correctly.

Getting Compensation for Medical Expenses

If you are injured in a road accident while traveling, you will be concerned about how to pay for your medical expenses. A lawyer can help you to get the compensation you need to cover these costs.

In many cases, the other driver’s insurance company will be responsible for paying your medical expenses. However, in some cases, the insurance company may try to avoid paying by claiming that you were at fault for the accident. A lawyer can help you to prove that the other driver was responsible and get the compensation you deserve.

In addition to compensation for your medical expenses, a lawyer can help you recover other damages, such as lost wages and pain and suffering. Contact a lawyer today to discuss your case if you have been injured in a road accident while traveling.

Negotiating a Settlement

If you’re involved in a road accident while traveling, one of the first things you should do is contact a lawyer. A lawyer can help to protect your rights and will be able to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf.

It’s important to note that insurance companies are not required to offer you a fair settlement. They will often try to lowball you to save themselves money. This is why it’s so important to have a lawyer on your side. A lawyer will fight for you and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Going to Court

If the other driver’s insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, your case may go to court. This is where things can get tricky, so it’s important to have a lawyer by your side who knows what they’re doing.

A lawyer will be able to represent you in court and will fight for your rights. They will also be able to cross-examine the other driver and any witnesses they may have. With a lawyer on your side, you can increase your chances of winning your case and getting the compensation you deserve.

No matter your situation, it’s essential to know that you have rights if you’ve been involved in a car accident. And if you need help enforcing those rights, you must know you have options. A lawyer can help you navigate the complicated legal process and get the compensation you deserve. So if you’ve been in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer today.

5 Tips For Training Your Cat

While cats cannot be trained to do the tasks dogs are usually bred for, the most basic training comes quite naturally…
CONTINUE READING >>

When you bring a kitten into the fold, you may automatically resign yourself to the fact that they will be self-sufficient from the get-go, and that there is nothing you can do about it.

While this is somewhat true, it doesn’t mean that it is impossible to train your cat out of offensive or “bad” behaviors that it has developed!

Cats tend to have a short attention span and aren’t as responsive to instructions as a dog. While cats cannot be trained to do the tasks dogs are usually bred for, the most basic training comes quite naturally.

In addition to the behavior advice and cat tips found on catvills.com, we have narrowed down our top tips for training your cat in this article.

1. Identify A Plan Of Action

Attempting to teach a kitten multiple things at any given time is simply a recipe for disaster. From the second that you bring the cat home, make sure to note down all unacceptable behaviors so that you can begin working on resolving each of them one by one.

Some of the most popular behaviors that you may want to train your cat to stop exhibiting include:

- Aggression
- Biting people
- Chewing and scratching furniture
- Compulsive habits such as scratching or biting itself
- Fear and anxiety
- Peeing and spraying everywhere

2. Start Young

Cats are most definitely creatures of routine, meaning it is harder to teach an old cat new tricks than it would for a kitten.

No cat will have lots of free time to follow all of your instructions and training. However, younger cats are often far more impressionable than older ones.

Your best bet is to never leave training too late. The later you wait to begin training your cat, the more damage they will inflict in the meantime!

Proper training can help to reduce the number of furniture attacks, prevent the cat from jumping on counters (and people), and will also help to get their brains stimulated as soon as possible.

3. Keep Treats Handy

This is one of the most useful tips when it comes to training your cat.

You’ve likely heard of training using positive reinforcement. With dogs, this translates to showering them with compliments, treats, and encouragement throughout the training, instead of telling them off. This method appears to yield more successful training results.

The same idea can be applied to cats. Except, as you might have noticed, your cat simply doesn’t care about what you think or feel.

Telling your cat that they are “good” or behaving well is simply a waste of your breath. In fact, the main reason they have turned up to learn new tricks is to receive some tasty treats! So make sure that you reward your cat with treats when they act appropriately.

4. Use A Clicker

This may surprise you, but dogs aren’t the only creatures that can benefit from clicker training!

A clicker can be used to train or resolve many behaviors. This includes anything from sitting down to recalling. You will then click the clicker every time your cat successfully demonstrates the desired behavior.

You might also need some tasty treats on hand to then associate the noise of the clicker with something positive. If you do both of these things together, your cat will quickly learn to associate the clicker sound with something innately positive.

Once they have learned to associate the clicker with this behavior, you can begin to reduce the number of treats they also get. However, it’s important to give treats occasionally so that they carry on responding well to the sound.

5. Be Patient and Consistent

As we have stated, it might be a little bit tougher to train a cat. However, if you are resilient, consistent, and patient as you train them, you will soon begin to reap the benefits!

It’s easy to become disheartened when a cat doesn’t respond well to training tactics or techniques. They can be pretty stubborn when the situation arises so it may not be too surprising to learn that it will take time to properly train them.

But if you are consistent with your efforts and make sure to incorporate daily training into your routine, too, then you will eventually be able to watch your cat begin to exhibit the desired behaviors toward others.

Conclusion

Training your cat will undoubtedly present some major challenges (for you and them). But if you are consistent, patient, and put in the effort, you will soon begin to see some real behavioral changes!

A Beginner’s Guide to India

When discovering India, remember to respect the local culture, engage with locals, have a taste of the Indian cuisine, and don’t forget to bargain…
CONTINUE READING >>

India is a highly diverse country, both in geographical and cultural matters. A person who travels to this diverse place for the first time might feel slightly overwhelmed and disorientated. That’s why it’s worth getting familiar with some tips and information on what to expect, how to prepare, and where to go before setting off on your journey across India.

What a first-time traveler needs to know

The first problematic issue about traveling to India is packing. Numerous first-time travelers do not know what type of clothes to take. In this matter, much depends on where exactly you plan to travel. As was already said, India is diverse not only culturally but also geographically. However, it’s safe to assume that you will need light and comfortable clothes on your journey. Don’t pack too much, as you will need to carry everything with you, but rather choose those items that can be worn separately or together – layers are always the best option. In one region of India, there might be up to even 40 degrees Celsius during summer, while in the other part of the country at the same time there might be only 20 degrees Celsius. That’s why it’s worth being prepared and having something to put on, once the temperature drops. Don’t forget to pack a shawl of some sort or anything else to cover yourself when visiting temples.

Depending on your home country, you might need to get some vaccinations or other medical precautions before visiting India. One of the diseases that might pose a threat to you and should be taken seriously is malaria. Contact your travel medicine physician and get all the shots or medicines you might need. When in India, try to avoid mosquito bites by using the right mosquito repellents.

It is also advised, especially for first-time travelers to India, to buy travel insurance. Any medical help you might need at your destination will require payments before the treatments.

When in India

Once you are in India, you might feel flooded with the diversity of everything and the richness of colors, smells, and people. If you go prepared and know that one thing you can certainly expect is chaos, then you should not get overwhelmed by it. Tourists, locals, cars, buses, vendors, and animals, all of these are pacing through the streets of India every minute, and the only choice you have is to become a part of this turmoil.

As you will be embracing the chaos of the streets in India, remember to stay safe and avoid tourist scams in India. Keep all your belonging close to your body, preferably secured in a backpack or even in a cross-body bag. When traveling through India you will need to have cash at hand at all times. ATMs operate in the major cities, but once you leave for the smaller towns, you might not find any.

When traveling through India, you will need access to the Internet, so once you get settled at your destination, make sure to acquire a SIM card for India. It will allow you to connect with the local service and use such apps as Google Maps, which might prove to be key to safe traveling. Internet connection might be useful for many other activities, from looking up the available attractions to killing some time when on the road. No matter if you want to listen to an audiobook or play at the best online casinos in India, you will need a safe and stable Internet connection. In the case of the online games at casinos, you will additionally need VPN protection and preferably a piece of antivirus software. Always remember to choose platforms that ensure the best and safest entertainment from any place in the world, just like Asiabet. You can be sure that it offers only tried-and-tested options that fulfill even the most rigorous criteria to keep the players secure.

When discovering India, remember to respect the local culture, and adjust to the rules of certain areas, especially when they are stricter and more conservative than the other parts of the country. Try to engage with locals, have a taste of the Indian cuisine, and don’t forget to bargain.

How to Improve Your Wakeboarding Skills

Not only is wakeboarding a fantastic way to tone your entire body, but it’s also an exceptional way to master your balance and improve flexibility – all whilst having tons of fun… CONTINUE READING >>

Wakeboarding is one of the most incredible water sports you will ever experience. The feeling of flying over the waves without having to rely on the weather are two great advantages of this sport. Not only is wakeboarding a fantastic way to tone your entire body, but it’s also an exceptional way to master your balance and improve flexibility – all whilst having tons of fun.

Whether you’re just getting started in the world of wakeboarding or you’re already a professional on the water, it’s never too early or too late to keep improving your skill set. In this blog, we’ll be covering seven ways you can improve your wakeboarding skills.

Ask Others for Advice

Don’t be afraid to ask other wakeboarders for advice or, better yet, invite them out for the day. Practicing with others who share a passion for the sport is a great way to improve, plus you’re bound to make a few friends along the way.

Invest in Ballast Bags

Having a boat ballast can seriously improve the quality of your wakeboarding and help maximize your riding time. It creates a clean, adjustable wake to help improve your technique. Boat ballasts come in a range of shapes and sizes, so make sure to find your perfect fit.

Exercise Off the Water

If you want to improve your skills on the water, you can start by enhancing your fitness off the water. Practice cross-training to help you improve your cardio, balance, and strength.

It’s also an ideal way to remain fit during the colder winter months.

Get a Friend to Film You

Ask a friend if they can film you, as this will help you gain a better perspective when it comes to your technique. You can analyse your movements and see which areas need improving.

Keep Your Gear in Pristine Condition

The gear you use and the condition it’s in can make a world of difference when it comes to wakeboarding. To maintain your equipment as pristine as possible, we recommend keeping it out of the sun and rinsing it from salt water after every use.

Try Other Similar Sports

If you’re not able to get on the water, why not try some similar sports, such as skateboarding or snowboarding? These are considered crossover sports as they both place an important emphasis on balance.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Last but not least, practice makes perfect. The only way to keep improving is by getting out on the water and refining your skills. All beginners have to start somewhere, so don’t be disheartened if it takes you some time to get on your board. Once you’ve mastered the basics of wakeboarding, you’ll be able to build your repertoire of tricks.

Remember it’s important to set your board up properly, line up with the boat, and ensure you’re always remaining safe. Wakeboarding is fun but a few wrong moves and you could land yourself in a nasty accident. Listen to your body and make sure to rest between sessions.

Getting Caribbean Citizenship by Investment: What You Need to Know

The number of countries offering citizenship or residency by investment programs is steadily increasing. More and more people are also considering getting a second citizenship because of its many perks, including the freedom to travel and benefits like better tax treatment. This is why investors from different parts of the world see citizenship by investment as a safety net from the uncertainties in their home country

When thinking of the many future uncertainties, getting a second citizenship is a smart move. So if you have the means, look into some of the most sought-after citizenship by investment programs — and one of the best regions to consider is the Caribbean.

The Caribbean is one of the dream destinations for many because of the luxurious lifestyle it offers and the vast economic benefits it provides to high-net-worth individuals and business owners.

The perfect blend of natural beauty and tropical climate makes this region even more appealing. The warm, year-round breeze and sunshine, along with the stunning beaches, make the Caribbean a world-class paradise for anyone looking to relocate. Best of all, locals here are known for being among the friendliest people around the world.

Caribbean Citizenship: An Overview

Caribbean citizenship is the perfect opportunity for people wanting to move their family immediately while ensuring wealth preservation.

The region offers considerable advantages as a second home and private sanctuary. Interested applicants can apply for the citizenship by investment program by donating a minimum amount to a government fund or an investment in an approved property or business made through a licensed agent.

- Government donation

Generally, the donations made to a government fund are non refundable, but are less expensive than investing in a business or property. These are established as non-profits bound by parliamentary oversight.

- Property investment

Investing in real estate property ensures you not only have a place to stay but also a possible source of income if you rent it out. However, it’s up to you whether you choose to live on the island or make frequent visits instead. You may also have the opportunity to recoup your investment after five years of ownership.

The key to making a profitable property investment is to get yours only from developers with proven expertise in the Caribbean region and a reassurance to offer value over the citizenship included in it. It should also be in a location appealing to vacationers or buyers, so you don’t have to worry about leasing it out or re-selling it in the future.

To find the best property for you, compare all available properties for sale on the island you want to relocate to, and don’t hesitate to enlist the help of licensed agents who are well-versed with the region’s property market

- Business investment

Besides real estate projects, investing in approved businesses is also an enticing choice for getting Caribbean citizenship. Investors can enjoy high returns, mainly because the region’s economy is growing due to high tourism demand.

Business investment options primarily focus on commercial development, including hotel projects. But future offerings may also include energy and food production.

Caribbean countries to consider

Here are the four Caribbean countries offering citizenship by investment programs. Discover the appealing benefits of each island, along with the different application requirements.

- Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment program is the most cost-efficient and sought-after option for families of four wanting to get a second passport. Having an Antiguan passport allows holders visa-free access to more than 160 countries worldwide.

The government donation option is available from $100,000 (plus fees) for families of up to four or $125,000 (plus fees) for families of more than four. As for the investment route, applicants can either invest at least $200,000 in an approved property or $400,000 in a government-approved business. Moreover, applicants should have outstanding character, no criminal record, and be in good health.

No interview or travel to the country is required for the program. As of August 2020, the requirement to reside at least five days during the first five years has been temporarily suspended, initially for a year but later extended until August 31, 2022. This is due to the travel disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Processing of the application is fast. A second passport can be obtained within 3 to 4 months.

- Grenada

Grenada citizenship is the best option for those who want to enjoy visa-free travel to Russia and China apart from more than 130 countries because it is the only citizenship by investment program that offers such benefits.

Moreover, it is the only Caribbean country that allows its citizens to apply for a visa in the USA.

Investment options include making a government donation of at least $200,000 and investing in government-approved real estate projects, either a share of at least $220,000 or an entire property amounting to at least $350,000.

Applicants don’t have to take exams in the history or language of Grenada and are not even required to visit the country throughout the process. The application pack will be delivered to the applicant by licensed agents, including pertinent documentation and detailed instructions. Once the application is submitted to the government of Grenada, expect an answer within 90 days. If everything is in order, they can issue the passports within ten working days.

But for the real estate investment option, the duration of the application process varies depending on the project. So it is crucial to choose projects with all the essential paperwork from the developer to speed up the process.

- St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Kitts & Nevis boasts a lush rainforest, colorful beachside villages, and a brand new private jet terminal. It also has direct access from London, Toronto, Miami, Charlotte, New York, Atlanta, and other regions.

St. Kitts & Nevis’ citizenship by investment program offers a fast-track 60-day processing. Travel during the application and visit after becoming a citizen is not also required.

Investment options include a government donation of at least $150,000 and a real estate purchase of a minimum of $200,000.

- Dominica

Dominica is known for its stunning natural environment and being an economically and politically stable country. Its economy is driven mainly by agriculture, promoting the production of cut flowers, exotic fruits, coffee, and patchouli.

Investment routes include a government donation of at least $100,000 and a real estate purchase of at least $200,000.

Recently, Dominica has issued e-passports to citizenship by investment applicants. It is the latest Caribbean country to offer a biometric passport, along with Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Kitts & Nevis.

Caribbean citizenship investment programs offer unique perks.

But to ensure success regardless of which country you prefer, all applications should be made through authorized agents.

Partner only with an authorized firm that helps applicants at every stage of the application process and prioritizes the welfare of their clients.

Shear Madness: Fall Festivals of the Catskills

When autumn arrives in the Catskills, there’s a good bet a party is happening nearby.

The explosion of color on the mountainsides brings in folks from far and wide, so putting on a festival is a natural thing to do.
Visit the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival, a Sheep and Wool Festival and, because it’s October, or shall we say Oktober… CONTINUE READING >>

When autumn arrives in the Catskills, there’s a good bet a party is happening nearby. The explosion of color on the mountainsides brings in folks from far and wide, so putting on a festival is a natural thing to do.

Craft Beer at Bethel Woods — at the Site of the Woodstock Concert

We began at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which is where the 1969 Woodstock festival took place.

But wait, we were a good fifty miles from Woodstock, what gives?

Well, unlike its name implies, the world’s most famous Rock concert took place on Max Yasgur’s old dairy farm in Bethel, New York.

Back in 1996, Alan Gerry bought the farm and set out to create a not-for-profit performing arts center and museum.

Over the next ten years things took shape, and now the historic site has a fantastic museum commemorating all things Woodstock.

Even though we had come for The Harvest Festival, the museum and the field where music history was made were the main attractions for us.

See more about the fabulous Woodstock museum!

It is Oktober…

Being October, we could hardly forage for fall fests and not take in a classic of the German variety, so our next stop was the Colors in the Catskills Fall Festival at Hunter Mountain.

Hunter is a ski resort, so for a fantastic view of the fall foliage we started the day with a ride to the top of the mountain on the Kaatskill Flyer chairlift. Veronica certainly had a better time getting on and off without any snow involved than in her previous winter-time attempts.

Back at the bottom the games were beginning, and we couldn’t pass up the chance to jump in.

Mostly our hopes were to avoid complete embarrassment, but in the heat of the competitions a sneaky little voice piped up saying, “Maybe you could win.”

Yeah right, the first challenge involved rolling —

and throwing — a beer keg through an obstacle course. Maybe if they divided the field up by age.

We took pride in not finishing last.

WATCH: Sheep, beer, and, okay, more beer in Upstate New York!

Next up, the Krug Carrying Race. This time contestants carry ten full beer krugs (the real German name for a beer stein) around a slightly modified course.

The winner completes the course in the fastest time, while spilling the least beer.

Veronica felt she had an advantage based on her waitressing days, and she did finish near the top, but victory eluded us and we knew there was no way we were pulling out an upset in the final game, Masskrugstemmen, which means beer-stein holding.

Sounds easy, but it’s not! Go ahead, give it a try.

Holding a full, one-liter stein directly in front of you, without bending your arm, can make five minutes seem like an eternity.

As the minutes ticked off, we decided to exit happy in the knowledge that we weren’t the first ones out.

So we escaped with our egos intact, and went off to find some leberkäse, sauerkraut, and kartoffelpuffer, better known as potato pancakes, to restore our strength.

It’s a Bash, Bash, Baaaaa-sh!

As great as our first two stops had been, there seemed something lacking from our festivities so far… animals! The New York State Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck would fix that. For over forty years the Dutchess County Sheep & Wool Growers’ Association has thrown this baaaa-sh every October.

A huge part of the show is dedicated to knitting, and something we’d never heard of before, felting.

Enough yarn to easily circle the globe was on sale in the exhibition halls, as well as every imaginable product made from that yarn. But we came to catch some critters, so we made our way to the canine frisbee demonstrations.

Although some herding dogs were represented, many breeds, including a tiny chihuahua, participated in the fun and games.

It never gets old watching man’s best friend sprint, leap, dive, and drool in their relentless pursuit of a flying plastic disk.

But, as furry as some of these guys were, not a one of them could produce any wool, so we headed over to the barn marked:

Camalids & Exotic Goats

We wanted to see where really nice sweaters come from.

We were just in time; the animals were lining up for the big Exotic Breeds Parade and, before the procession proceeded, Veronica got to walk a llama around the grounds.

Then the column of llamas, alpacas, and cashmere goats marched through the fairgrounds. Perhaps most impressive were their fancy poodle-style trims. Cute, but not very practical when it comes to producing wool.

These decorative hairdos are the product of clipping, not shearing, but we wanted to see the wool fly.

Following to the crowd, we joined the sheep shearing demonstration just as the electric trimmer was getting fired up.

Removing the wool from sheep goes back centuries, but the modern method can be traced back to one man, Godfrey Bowen, and the Bowen technique.

He pioneered the process of removing the fleece in one continuous piece.

Godfrey developed the pattern in the 1950s using electric shears and soon became a champion shearer, setting a world record by shearing 463 sheep in nine hours.

His innovations were so important to the industry that he was knighted in 1960.

In the time it took to learn this little history lesson, our lamb was shaved clean and a blanket of black wool covered the ground.

After a brief break to chomp on a lamb chop (which, admittedly, felt just wrong), we went to see what was the highlight of the day for us, a couple of border collies doing what they do best.

These guys are the undisputed champions of sheep dogs.

Amazingly, all border collies can be traced back to the same dog, Old Hemp, who was born in the border area between England and Scotland back in 1893. That’s where the border in border collie comes from.

As soon as the dogs spotted the sheep it was clear that the only thing on their minds was to herd them, but being meticulously bred for intelligence and obedience, they would anxiously wait for the command from their trainer.

We couldn’t help but think of the movie Babe.

With a quick “come-bye” the dog took off to the right, circling the flock clockwise, then an “away to me” from the trainer sent them in the opposite direction.

“Lie down” slowed the whole process –depending on the tone in which the command was delivered — to a crawl or a complete stop, followed by “walk up” which meant to proceed slowly.

The entire time the dog had his undivided attention on the herd using what is known as “the eye,” which is a stare that anyone who knows a border collie is familiar with.

To finish each session the trainer would tell the dog “that’ll do,” which we both automatically followed in our minds with “pig.”

Or maybe we said it out loud. Of course we said it out loud.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Thanks to the folks at Ensure who were kind enough to sponsor our video, and provided a supply of their new Ensure Active, which kept us hydrated throughout our escapades. All opinions are our own.

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