A review of Kline Creek Farm's sheep shearing event on April 21st 2013.

It was perfect weather (though a little on the chillier side) to enjoy Kline Creek farm's sheep shearing event yesterday. We reached there around 1am just in time to catch the “Sheep Herding” event which was an added bonus. It was fascinating to watch the sheep dog collie in training as she got her act together to herd the sheep in the direction her master, John Seraphine, wanted her to. The collie was working very hard and seemed to be running very fast in circles managing to get the flock of sheep exactly where John wanted her to. She was very well versed with voice commands and seemed to be recognizing the whistle too. It was quite a treat to watch the man to animal communication and also the animal to animal interaction. Spellbinding to say the least.

Next we headed over to the main event and were in time again as everyone had gathered in the specially erected tents. There was a short introduction by the Kline Creek Farm hands, wherein we were told about how the sheep needed to be sheared and that it as a tricky process. We were told to keep a close eye on both the hands because though it seemed like the right hand did most of the work, the left hand was equally important. I watched completely mesmerized by the events unfolding before me and I was especially surprised at how calm the sheep seemed to be thought it was being bent in every direction.

The process started off with the shearer placing the sheep in a sitting like position. I could not take my eyes off the sheep because it did not seem to mind much and it almost seemed like sitting on its butt with its limbs spread out was the most natural thing to do. I am not exaggerating when I say that it did not even flinch an inch. Not even when the shearer started the razor like tool and started shaving. He started from around the ear and gradually moved down to its legs. He explained to us that he was using the Australian method of shearing.

Soon the coat started to give away and we could see the smooth white of the sheep's skin. In the midst of the process, the electric machine to which the razor was hooked was removed and they placed a crank machine instead. The razor was hooked, another farm hand started cranking the machine and the razor continued its function of peeling away the thick coat without any ado.

In a little while the entire coat came off and lay on the ground in one piece. It looked extremely soft and smooth and it was explained that they cleaned the coat and sent it for spinning. We saw some spinning being done in the visitor center wherein the fibers were being spun into yarn. Some had been dyed to beautiful colors and spun into intricate and lovely patterns. As I held the end product (a blue and white braided yarn) I could not but feel amazed at the complete process that had started off with sheep being herded and sheared, and had ended with the ultra soft feeling of the wooly braid in my hands.

When it was time to field questions after the shearing was all done and the sheep had hopped off happily as a big weight had literally been taken off its shoulder, the people joined in. One funny question that had me smiling was when someone asked How was Shearing done before the continent of Australia was discovered. Unfazed, the shearer explained about some older method. My question was more on the lines of how do you keep the sheep so calm during the whole procedure. The answer was intriguing. He said that the sheep can sense who is in control and once they realize that the person in front has full control and knows what they are doing, they give in and remain placid.

We dispersed after that and visited the other areas where cows, chickens and horses were kept. The horses were a joy. They were so handsome and majestic but were extremely docile too. They did not mind one bit as everyone around us, especially the kids hugged and patted them. They seemed to revel in the attention and everyone had a great time being around them.

Our last stop was Wanda's Honey House and once again we had a one of a kind experience there. We were welcomed warmly and enjoyed the many samples of honey they had for tasting. There was Eucalyptus, Alfalfa Sprouts, Mesquite and one harvested entirely at Kline Creek. All of us felt that the local Kline Creek Honey was the best tasting and we bought a bottle of the same from the gift shop right across.

We settled down to watch a video of 92-year old volunteer Dr. Lawrence A. DuBose (the man behind the opening of the bee house at Kline Creek) explaining and demonstrating how the honey was extracted from the honey hives. One thing that surprised us was that Lawrence was not wearing half sleeveless as he extracted the honey and it seemed pretty dangerous with so many honey bees buzzing around. The lady explained that the bees didn't sting much and even if they did, Dr.Lawrence believed it was good for his arthritis.

Dr. Lawrence was around and I posed the same question to him. He nodded in agreement when I asked him if the bee sting was good for him. It was such a pleasure to meet him and watch him working around the bee house. Easily the high point of my trip!

I can't end without mentioning about the awesome gift shop at Kline Creek. Everything as so reasonably priced. The kids loved the $1 sale on the wooden yo-yos. I loved the collection of old books they had there. Dracula by Brom Stoker, Dorian Gray, Sherlock Holmes – all originals. I got a couple for my nephew for the grand prize of $4 – too good to be true.

All in all it was an afternoon well spent. Educational, fun and fulfilling for the entire family. We left Kline Creek Farm richer in experience, knowledge and just plain fun!

All you kids out there who were out today at the event, please do tell us how your experience went. What you learnt, what interested you most, etc.