Happy Birthday Evan! We couldn't resist celebrating his birthday a week early due to the fantastic forecast that was predicted for the day. Evan had been really looking forward to a Lord of the Rings Tour that drove you to the set of Helm's Deep, Rohan, and Edoras. The land is privately owned by a farmer who has given the company exclusive privileges and the keys to enter the property. We took a 4WD vehicle through the Canterbury Plains, rivers, and rocky roads to arrive at this BEAUTIFUL Valley. We also had props from the movie to make our pictures complete. I learned many interesting facts about the filming process and about the director, Peter Jackson-of which I won't tell now, but be prepared to hear them when I see everyone again after returning home. There was not a cloud in the sky all day! We also enjoyed a nice picnic lunch amidst the amazing backdrop, and as we drove back to Christchurch, we saw the beginnings of the lambing season along the roadside as we passed multiple sheep paddocks in rural New Zealand countryside.
Evan holding Aragorn's sword, the Anduril Sword.
Near Lake Clearwater and Lake Camp...on our way to Rangitata Valley.
On top of the set with the Misty Mountains forming the backdrop. I am sitting where the Gold Hall once stood. Unfortunately, the filming crew had to leave the ground in the exact way they had found it, so they had to tear everything down. They even had to assign a GPS location for every tussock plant (more or less a weed that goats won't even eat) in the area, uproot the plant, store it & nurture it for eight months while building the set and filming, and then replant the plants in the exact same spot as they were found. All thanks to the orders of the New Zealand government!
Atop my perch.
What a pair, What a view!
This is the Rakaia gorge (although not quite near the town of Rakaia). The sediments of the rock in the background of the photo remain from the last Ice Ages that New Zealand experienced. According to scientists (and my tour guide) the most recent Ice Age dates back to about 15,000 years ago. 
I am in the exact position where Eowyn stood from a film segment in the 
Better guard yourself Evan! It looks like I am about to win this battle...
Near Lake Clearwater.
Rangitata River and Valley.
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