Lots of Helpers

Our family's life in New Zealand

Book Review–Unshakable

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About the Book:

Book: Unshakable (Casts of Silver Book 4. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: K.J Rowe

Genre: Teen / Y.A

Release date: January 13, 2025

Self-assured. Perceptive. Determined. Character traits Nick Marshall wears with pride, along with a bit of charm.

He knows himself and what his future holds.

At last, living the life he had long dreamed for himself as a Police Officer, Nick struggles to understand why things he witnessed as a first responder early in his career continue to haunt him. Reoccurring dreams grow a nagging anxiety which, combined with the stress of keeping up with his grueling work roster, as well as extracurricular activities, begin to shadow his professionalism.

Frustrated at himself slipping, Nick begins to take steps to ease his workload when his youth minister drops a bombshell on the Leadership Team that leaves them all reeling, but also sparks a question in Nick’s mind: was he really doing what God wanted him to do?

With rumors starting at work amid a sense of impending threat, Nick continues to pursue the life he’s long envisaged for himself, believing the blessings of God are still upon him. However, when he finds himself in mortal danger, Nick is forced to reconsider everything he’d come to believe and the plans he had for himself.

Will Nick win the battle within his mind and decode the will of God for his life? Will he be willing to let go of his own will and take hold of God’s?

My Thoughts:

There were some things in this book which I appreciated. Nick was careful to keep his priorities right as far as making sure that God came first. At the same time, I was puzzled with the fact that he was dating a non-believer, and neither he nor his friends at church seemed to have any problem with that fact. I was happy to see how he stood up for his belief in not living together before marriage, though. I also liked all the activities the youth group he helped to lead came up with to illustrate God’s principles to young people. At the same time, I struggled to read this book. There were frequent typos, and much of the story is told in the passive voice, rather than the active voice, making even high-tension scenes drag. Another thing I noticed, which in itself would not be a reason to avoid the book but is there, is that the story is set within a Seventh-Day Adventist church. The only thing I found that I would consider questionable doctrine, however, was the youth group activity which was intended to illustrate how baptism cleans a person from the filth of the world.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

K.J. Rowe began her writing career in 2012 with the drafting of her Young Adult series called “Casts of Silver”, The series, born out of her own unique experiences and understanding how books can literally change people’s lives has been crafted to spotlight particular issues common amongst young people. To impress upon youth the importance of listening to their inner voice, remembering their self worth and to trust in Gods perfect plan for each of our lives is the mission and vision of this series. Karen lives with her husband and 2 children on a farm in North West Victoria, Australia.

More from K. J.:

Hey! Thanks for stopping by!

Casts of Silver is my debut five book series. After a nagging conviction to write, I asked the Lord what it was He wanted me to pen down. The very next morning, I awoke with five clear stories in my mind.

Unshakable is book 4, of 5. It’s been an incredible journey for me writing this series with each of stories including a part of my own testimony. The series is centered around five youth group leaders, with the stories looking at very real circumstances that young people face in today’s world without sugar coating consequences of individual actions.

However, God is always at work.

But where is He when problems arise?

Well, He is always closer than you think and He’s always working for your good!

Enjoy.
God Bless!

Now, who doesn’t love a great healthy(ish) treat while reading a fabulous book? I’ve recently come across this delicious cake recipe and thought I would share it with you all.

DATE CAKE

1.5C Boiling Water

70g dates, chopped

1 3/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda

3/4C softened butter

1C Sugar (I used a little less)

2 eggs

2C Plain Flour

1/2 tsp salt

TOPPING

1/2C chocolate chips

1/2C sugar

1/2C chopped nuts of choice (I used Pecans, recipe uses walnuts)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 175C, grease 28x18cm lamington pan

Pour boiling water over dates, stir in 1tsp of Bicarbonate Soda. Stand until cool.

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, then remaining bicarbonate of soda, sifted flour and salt. Fold in date mixture.

Pour into pan, sprinkle over the topping ingredients. Bake for 35-45mins.

Goes well cold or warm with cream. Enjoy!

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Renovations

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We saw a lot of renovations happening this summer! Of course, there was the work on Eijah’s new house. Elijah also worked on his bedroom. He started that project last winter, in July or August, and finally got to move back in in March, after the painting was done. I took a few pictures of him laying the carpet. First, the girls had to get their things out! See the walls? He chose to whitewash the plywood he used for the upper part of the walls. The lower part is the original boards that were there, which were covered with a thick coat of yellow paint. He carefully pried them off the wall, then ran them through a machine that James’s boss has which sanded both sides at once, and then oiled them after putting them back on the wall.

Next, he put down tack strips, laid out the underlay, rolled out the carpet on top, and then stretched it in. I enjoyed watching him do what he does every day at work.

Esther got her room painted this summer. A couple of years ago, she touched up some places where the paint got messed up. She used the bucket of paint that was originally used for the room–but didn’t know that a creative brother had mixed some other paint in to it, so she ended up with white squares on a cream wall. She didn’t have time to repaint that summer or the next, so this summer she decided she must get it done. The three girls moved out to our guest cabin for a few weeks, and she painted all the trim, patched and sanded several places where there were holes in the wall (thanks to other renovation projects that punched through), and painted the walls. The motivation to get this done came from finding a set of new curtains at an op shop–she wanted to get them hung, but not until the room was painted!

Miss Joy was delighted to be back in her own room, even though the cabin is very cozy!

Book Review–Mary the Missionary

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About the Book:

Book: Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure

Author: Yvonne M Morgan

Genre: Children’s Early Reader

Release date: February 1, 2025

A Kenya Adventure

Are you ready for an adventure in Kenya? After singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in Sunday School, Mary has many questions about children in other countries. When her parents learn about a mission trip to Kenya, they decided to experience another culture as a family. Mary encounters many trials on her Kenyan adventure. In the end, she learns that she and her new friends aren’t different, and Jesus loves all children.

Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, “Mary the Missionary” teaches important lessons about acceptance, empathy, and love. As Mary meets children from different cultures and backgrounds, she learns to see the world through their eyes and understand the unique challenges they face. Along the way, she also discovers the unifying power of faith and how it transcends all barriers.

My Thoughts:

This is a very cute book. I liked this gentle way of introducing children to the conditions in which people live in third-world countries. Mary and her parents went to Kenya on a missions trip, and Mary was quite shocked at some of the things she saw. At the same time, she grew to love the local people, and found ways to help them. 

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Yvonne M Morgan takes readers of all ages on a journey of faith, hope, and love with encouraging words. Her captivating storytelling will inspire readers to trust in the Lord and give them hope. Yvonne’s insightful reflections will resonate with anyone who wants a deeper relationship with God.

More from Yvonne:

As my grandchildren grew, I started writing children’s books. I wanted them to read engaging, faith-based stories filled with fun illustrations and valuable lessons that would nurture their faith. As the children grew, I wanted to continue their lessons, tailoring them to their expanding interests and abilities. The book, “Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure,” shares the message of God’s love, and how we are all his children despite our differences.

The memories of my mission trips to Kenya, filled with the warmth of the people and the beauty of the landscape, led me to choose it for Mary’s visit. I loved the vibrant tapestry of cultures and the welcoming smiles of the people I met during my visits. To help your children explore Kenya, I’ve added free resources to my website; these include downloadable activity books and captivating information. Here is a link to those resources: https://yvonne-morgan.com/mary-the-missionary-resources.

In Kenya, Ugali is used as a fork to pick up their food. Ugali Recipe to try with your children:

Ingredients:

1 cup maize meal / corn meal

2 cups normal water

Instructions:

Heat water over medium heat in a deep pan. Make sure you use a pan with a handle.

Add the maize meal or cornmeal and keep on stirring with a strong wooden spoon.

Keep stirring and pressing the mixture against the sides of the pan to break up the lumps.

As the mixture becomes thicker, it becomes more difficult to mix but keep mixing and breaking up the lumps.

The mixture with begin to come away from the sides of the pan.

Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes.

At this point transfer the ugali to a platter. Place the plate over the pan and turn it upside down.

Or you can transfer to a small heatproof bowl. Pat it down into shape. Place a plate over the bowl and turn it over.

Enjoy piping hot ugali with your favorite stew or curry.

Rural School in Kenya

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New in the Library! April 2025

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I took the children to a small secondhand shop while we were in town one day. My 5-year-old spotted a children’s cookbook, and requested that I buy it for her. That’s the kind of request I can’t bring myself to deny, so it came home with us. It’s on the Cookbooks Shelf.

I read several books from my stack in the bedroom that are waiting to be screened before going on the shelves. Trapped on Devil’s Peak is one from a series I’ve been seeing for a number of years; in fact, we have two of the books in the series in our Kindle library. I’ve never read them, though, and didn’t get around to reading the one I checked out from the local library. So, when I bought a print copy recently, I made a point to read it so I would know what this Christian series, set in New Zealand, is like. And what do I think? It’s rather melodramatic. My sons would not like it because it is unrealistic (a live volcano near Nelson? really?). I can see a lot of other boys loving it, though, as well as girls; the protagonists are two boys and two girls. For people who want high adventure with Christian values, this is a great choice. Just don’t expect realism!

My next read was also set partly in New Zealand. Beyond the Narrows features two boys and a girl traveling from England to New Zealand on a ship (date not specified, but flying was common, and the book was published in 1985. This one turns out to be sci-fi, involving experimental gene therapy. The New Zealand setting of the story is Fiordland, near Te Anau, and is depicted pretty accurately. I normally don’t like sci-fi, but this style suits me. One thing I liked was the friendship that was shown here between the children, and how they worked together, and how the father of two of them was involved in the action. Both of these books have found homes on the New Zealand Fiction Shelf.

I picked The Freedom Machine up at a secondhand shop recently, when I recognized the author after having just purchased two of her other books (mentioned in last month’s post). This isn’t a great story, but good enough to stay on the shelf. It is set in Scotland, and the main character runs away from home with his bicycle to get away from the aunt he can’t stand. He meets up with several (very plausible) adventures, makes a new friend, and learns a lot about friendship, family relationships, and love. The biggest thing I didn’t like was the two times he thought he saw a ghost, which could easily be chalked up to imagination. He spends a lot of time talking to his bicycle, and the bicycle talks back to him–but that is obviously imagination, as well. I put this on the Junior Fiction Shelf.

One of the children chose We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea for me to read aloud. We really enjoyed it! It is a great story of resourcefulness, and of children doing their best to honor their parents, even though they ended up doing the opposite of what their mother wanted (they had no choice in the matter). I also liked Land of Promise. The My Story books are a mixed bag. Some are really good, and some have bad attitudes on the part of the children who are the main characters. This one describes the trip by ship from England to New Zealand, and then the early days of the settlement of Wellington. I really liked the way the history was presented. This book will reside on the New Zealand Fiction shelf.

I also read The Wind Blows Free. It’s a lovely story of a family pioneering in the Texas Panhandle. The main character is the oldest daughter, 14 years old when they moved there from East Texas in 1893. She could hardly wait until she turned 16 and would be able to go back to attend a finishing school–but something happened to her during that two years of living where the wind was always blowing. This book is a wonderful addition to our Young Adult Fiction shelf.

When I saw a friend advertising her copy of Trim Healthy Mama Plan, I decided to get it. I have the original Trim Healthy Mama book, but decided this would be a good book to have on the Health Shelf.

A friend who is a frequent patron of the library donated two books to us. I love the beautiful illustrations in Mr. Lincoln’s Boys! We have a number of picture book biographies now on the Junior Biography Shelf. The Companion Library book with Gulliver’s Travels and Treasure Island makes a wonderful addition to the Classics Shelf.

I visited a new bookstore, Pure Books, in Timaru that some friends of mine opened last year. I bought several books there. God’s Missionary caught my eye because I have always been fascinated with the story of Thomas–and a picture book about him? Yes, please! I shelved it with the Junior Biographies. I bought The Fortunate Ones because I already have the first three books in the series, and have borrowed the fourth one from a friend, so when I had the chance to buy the fifth I did. This one goes on the New Zealand Fiction shelf.

My Cat Sleeps in Boxes

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We have a cute picture book about cats. It describes cats around the world who are very talented… they might dance, or sing, or many other things… but every second page says, “But MY cat likes to hide in boxes.” Well, we have a cat who loves to sleep in boxes, any boxes. Grizzly was overjoyed when we were emptying boxes of jars during canning season, and putting the empties outside to be taken back to the garage. Perfect places to sleep! We’ve also found her sleeping in a child’s wheelbarrow, carefully braced so she didn’t slide out, or in the trailer (very big box!). One day, when Elijah’s bedroom door was laying on sawhorses in the carport while he was prepping it for painting, she found that someone had put a newspaper (another favorite bed) in one of the inset panels on the door. So, she had not only a box with tiny sides, but also a newspaper! Perfect!

She generally wakes up when we come to take a picture, but this time Esther found her sound asleep, laying on her back in the box!

I took this picture one day when it was drizzling. Gayle had driven the ute somewhere, so of course the engine was warm. Apparently, the heat trumped the wet. Grizzly was curled up tightly, with her paw over her nose. I said something to her as I walked past. She uncurled enough to half open one eye and sleepily say hello (she’s a very talkative cat), and immediately curled up again, fast asleep.

Goofball likes boxes, too. She’s much more dignified than her sister, though.

Book Review–It’s Fight Night

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About the Book:

Book: It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men On Samson’s Fight

Author: Todd Woodfill

Genre: Men’s Bible Study

Release date: October, 2024

It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men on Samson’s Fight uses the story of Samson to challenge men to examine their lives through the lens of strength and weakness. Designed for personal or group study, this Bible study delves into the complexities of Samson’s journey, asking men to reflect on their God-given strengths and areas of vulnerability. By exploring themes of divine purpose, failure, and redemption, this study invites men to seek guidance from God as they grow in faith and understand their true potential. Become a warrior, step into the ring and discover timeless lessons on strength, weakness, and grace.

My Thoughts:

This short book turns out to be a unique perspective on Samson. I appreciated the way the author applied the story of Samson to modern life. It is written for men, but I found that a lot of it can be applied to a woman’s life, as well. When I saw the description of the book, I assumed it would be mainly about the kind of struggles that men face more than women, but it turned out to be more generalized. 

I asked Elijah to read the book and give me his view: I found this devotional quite interesting. It is structured around Samson’s life, but has lots of modern hero stories to illustrate the main points which makes for an engaging read. All in all I quite enjoyed it. Compared to what I normally read, it isn’t of standout quality, but the message is definitely one that men today need to hear.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Todd Woodfill is a modern-day Renaissance man whose life could be inspirational if it didn’t so closely resemble a comedy sketch. Married to his absolutely amazing, beautiful, intelligent, and talented wife Holly for a whirlwind 30 years so far, he couldn’t imagine doing life without her support.  With four incredible children and one extraordinary grandchild, who refer to Todd as Dad, Papa, dork, old timer, and weirdo, Todd has been blessed far more than he deserves.

Passionate about mental health and suicide prevention, men’s ministries, Legos, boxing, and pursuing God, Todd is a man of many talents and clearly a master of none.  But who else can seamlessly switch from being a Jordan sneaker connoisseur to a boxing enthusiast, all while building men’s ministries and helping those with mental health challenges.  Heck, this guy can be found passionately discussing the virtues of mental wellness, only to break into a joyful song from a Disney classic, spreading cheer like a modern-day Mary Poppins with a passion for Christ. His life is a whirlwind of laughter, love, and an unshakable faith, making him the ultimate blend of humor and heart in a world that often takes itself too seriously.

More from Todd:

Men, it’s time to step into the ring! Todd Woodfill’s new book, It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men On Samson’s Fight, is officially here-and it’s not just a book; it’s a challenge to reclaim your strength, confront your weaknesses, and discover the warrior God created you to be.

Using the story of Samson as a backdrop, this study invites you to explore themes of strength, weakness, purpose, and redemption. Whether you’re diving in solo or in a small group with you brothers in Christ, this book is designed to help you reflect deeply on your journey as a man of faith. You’ll be encouraged to embrace your God-given potential, find hope in the face of failure, and live boldly for Christ.

What to Expect:

  • Discover the divine purpose in your strengths AND your struggles.
  • Learn how to fight like Samson-but live with the grace of Christ.
  • Build up your faith and deepen your connection to God alongside other men.

Are You Ready for the Fight?

This more than just a book launch-this is the kickoff to an incredible journey! Todd is hitting the road for the Fight Night Book Tour, bringing these lessons to life through interactive discussions, powerful testimonies, and real talk about what it means to walk boldly as a man of God today.

About the Author:

Todd Woodfill is a man blessed beyond measure and proof that God has a sense of humor. From being a husband to his incredible wife, Holly, for 30+ years, to raising for amazing kids and a grandchild who alternately call him “Papa” and “that old weirdo,” he’s been living a wild, grace-filled adventure.

Todd is passionate about men’s ministries, mental health advocacy, Legos, and boxing-yes, he is a man of layers like Shrek.  You might catch Todd talking about Jordan sneakers one moment, throwing a jab at the heavy bag the next, or surprisingly belting out a Disney tune with unapologetic joy. But his heart is always centered on helping men find God’s purpose in their lives.

Join the Fight!

Follow the tour schedule, grab a copy of the book, and let’s get ready to rumble-with faith as our foundation. God has incredible things in store, and Todd can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Stay tuned for book tour dates near you!

Let’s grow together, brothers. The bell’s ringing-are you ready to step into the ring?

#ItsFightNight #ChristianMen #MensMinistry #BibleStudy #SamsonLessons #WarriorsForHisGlory #StrengthInFaith

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Tiger Moth

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Sometime in early March I was in Greymouth with the children and we noticed three small planes flying over in a triangle formation. They circled around in front of us and came toward us, in a straight line. We happened to be driving past the “airport” at that moment, and realized they were planning to land, so we pulled over to watch, since we had noticed by then that all three were biplanes. After they landed, we drove around to where we could get a better look at them, and several more that were already pulled up to the hanger. In the next day’s paper, we learned that they were Tiger Moths, and the owners were making a tour around the island. How fun to see them!

Book Review–The Wanderer’s Legacy

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About the Book:

Book: The Wanderer’s Legacy (The Wanderer Series Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Natasha Woodcraft

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: April 10, 2025

Adah lives trapped between the life she yearned for and the life she chose. Childless and desperate, she’s failed to produce an heir for her once-devoted husband, Lamech. As his love turns to obsession and control, Adah finds herself drawn to whispered legends of a mysterious Wanderer.

When Lamech takes a second wife, Adah’s world shatters – sending her fleeing to her family home. There, a fragile sense of freedom awakens long-buried hopes. But her body hides a secret that will propel her back into the heart of danger.

As survival becomes a daily challenge, can a legend offer her the salvation she craves? Or does someone else hold the power to help her dwell in safety?

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed The Wanderer Scorned so much that when I saw an offer to review The Wanderer’s Legacy, I didn’t hesitate to sign up. I was disappointed, when I started reading it, to find that it was Book 3 in The Wanderer Series, but as it turned out, reading Book 2 wasn’t necessary. This one stands alone well enough. 

I did not get into The Wanderer’s Legacy as much as I did the first book. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t grip me in the same way. I liked the way this author has imagined life before the Flood. We don’t have much information to go on, but what she has come up with sounds quite plausible. While I was reading the book, I went back to Genesis 4 and read again what the Bible has to say about Lamech and Adah and their family, and could see where Natasha Woodcraft has come up with her thoughts about their characters. 

It was quite intriguing—and alarming—to see the quick degeneration of humanity, from fairly moral even without a reverence for Yahweh, to utter degradation. And the cause? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

One passage I’ve been mulling over was when Chanoch, Adah’s great-great-something grandfather thought about when he was a young man and considering marriage. The thoughts there about whether the man or the woman should leave his/her family and become part of the other’s family have given me a lot to consider! It makes me think that the way most cultures view marriage, even Western Christian cultures, might be the reverse of what God intended at the beginning.

There are frequent references to s*xual activity, both within and outside of marriage. These are all discrete, no details, but it is obvious what is happening, as well as the repercussions when the marriage covenant is not honored. The way it is written, I would not have a problem with allowing someone in their mid teens to read the book.

The biggest issue I have with The Wanderer’s Legacy is an issue on which I differ from much of modern Christianity. That is remarriage after divorce. This book seems to condone it, even encourage it. That’s all I will say, for fear of giving spoilers!

Overall, I appreciate this book and series, and would love to read more of the author’s books. The pre-Flood world is an intriguing topic to speculate about!

WARNING: Increasing levels of s*xual immorality and violence throughout the story. Stillbirths/miscarriages described. Domestic violence, especially abusive behavior toward women in the last half. People killed a number of times. Not a pretty book, but my guess is that it is quite realistic.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Natasha Woodcraft lives in the UK with her family of boys and menagerie of animals. She holds an honours degree in Theology and believes stories have power to communicate deep truth and transform lives. Her novels explore God’s redemptive purposes for ordinary, messy people living in biblical times.

More from Natasha:

I wrote The Wanderer’s Legacy because I believe stories have the power to communicate deep truths and transform lives, and Bible stories are no exception! Lamech, the first man to have two wives, features way back in Genesis 4, after Cain & Abel and before Noah. It’s not even a story, really, it’s a little poem stuck at the end of a chapter. What is it doing there, and what can it teach us about God’s goodness during a really dark time in humanity’s history?

That’s what this novel is about. It was an excuse to engage deeply with that story and the result is full of biblical truth that I hope will draw the reader closer to Jesus, understanding how his redemptive purposes are woven through the fabric of the whole Bible, even obscure little poems that almost feel like a sidenote.

Rather than telling you more, I’m just going to share the opening with you, to give you a taster…

“Adah presses her back to the pillar, squeezing into its evening shadow. Her heavy breathing is almost as loud as the heartbeat pummelling in her head. Surely someone will hear?

Her chance to escape diminishes with every moment of delay. She is a desert jerboa­ – alert, aware of every sight and smell, yet frozen in place as she awaits her predator’s pounce.

Azurak should be occupied. Her son arranged it when she pleaded with him on hands and knees, eyes streaming in desperation. But Adah is sure she hears him. His rasping breath and distinct blood-soaked-campfire smell linger, fusing her feet to the ground.

Unless it’s someone worse than Azurak. Perhaps her husband will find her.”

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Four Wheel Drive Trip–Napoleon Hill

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A few weeks ago, a group of local friends decided to go on a four wheel drive trip over Napoleon Hill, close to our home. James decided to do something he has been thinking about for a long time–take his tractor on the trip! It added some excitement; I’ll let Joe tell about it in a story he wrote. (The solar panel mounted on the back is to keep the battery charged, since the alternator doesn’t work anymore.)

One young lady gave my two little girls and another little girl a ride on the quad bike.

This is the Safari that Simon spent a couple of years restoring, and then sold to a friend. It’s getting quite a workout; after this particular episode, water poured out of all the doors!

Things went well, until….

They drained the water out of the engine, and it started right up again! Yay for 1960s vehicles with no electronics. James did take it to the garage for a complete oil change after they got out of this track.

And, here is the story:

THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TRIP

            A couple of weeks ago, we went over Napoleon Hill, with a few of the V’s, the B’s, and some of our family. James, after a lot of thinking, decided to take his Pajero and his tractor. His tractor is a 1960s Fordson Super Dexta, two wheel drive, six speed manual. It’s about medium size and can attain speeds up to about 50 km an hour downhill. Since it is as old as it is, the alternator doesn’t work, so to charge it James has mounted a solar panel that keeps the battery charged, so now it is updated to the 21st century.

            We headed off from our house to Napoleon Hill about 9:30 and started along the four wheel drive track. The tractor is very slow, so the vehicle I was riding in, the troop carrier, got ahead of everybody else and so we ended up doing a small side track, which was fun. Going through the first mud hole, the tractor’s bell housing filled up with water, so when he came out water was spraying out of both sides of the tractor, which was fun to see. Napoleon Hill is a very fun four wheel drive track, which if you nail it only takes about an hour, but at the rate we went it took us over half the day.

            As always, we stopped at the cemetery and had a look around there, and then headed down the mountain. When we got down into the river gorge we stopped and waited for everyone else to catch up. A few minutes after everybody got there and we headed off again we got to the caves. There are three of them. The first one is just big enough that a quad can squeeze through. You can drive through the other two. It is really fun, because the last one is really long and more than twice as high as the vehicles.

            After we got through the caves and got out to the bigger creek we stopped for lunch. During lunch, L wanted to have a turn on the tractor, so James took him for a drive. They were going up the creek and James wasn’t really paying attention to where they were going till the tractor started bogging down in the soft sand. He told L to hop off and then started going backwards and forwards to try to get out. He thought maybe he should get someone to pull him out because he didn’t know how deep the creek was to his left, but shrugged the thought away. Then, he tried pulling forward again and slid off an underwater shelf into an over-chest-deep part of the creek. The tractor nearly disappeared and almost instantly died.

            S pulled him out. They took the injectors out and turned the engine over several times, so the pistons pushed the water out of the cylinders where the injectors usually go. It was fun to see the water spraying everywhere, and nice to hear the tractor start up again as good as new—maybe even better because of the engine wash it had just received.

As we went out, P, in the Safari, took on a heap more of the side tracks and several of them that he took in four wheel drive he went back through in two wheel drive. We had a lot of fun that day and I was glad I got to go along.