Today, we left Rotorua with its hot springs and geysers behind and headed towards Taurango. On the way, just outside the town of Matamata is the Alexander farm. This 1250 acre working sheep farm with its beautiful rolling countryside became home to Tolkien's Middle-Earth when it was discovered by Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema in 1998.
Despite it being a chilly rainy day, spirits were high as we prepared to walk in the footsteps of Frodo, Sam, and Gandalf. Our tour of Hobbiton began at the Shires Rest where we boarded a bus and traveled through the countryside to the Shire. Once there, we were able to walk around the Shire visiting various sites including Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. Across the pond, we saw the pub, stables, and market. We even strolled across the Party Field and stood beneath the Party Tree. The time we spent in Hobbiton was amazing. It was like the place truly existed and was not merely a movie set. After leaving the Shire, we had the opportunity to fee some of the sheep and lambs back at the Shires Rest. It was a truly magical experience!
Tomorrow, it is back to work...
I hope that walking in the footsteps of Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam doesn't make your feet become as hairy as theirs.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this was a magical experience seeing in person something that you've seen in cinema.
It was incredible!! I can't wait to show you all 115 pictures I took of Hobbiton!
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