McCrain's
in Middle Earth
A travel dialogue of our adventures
in New Zealand
In February 2004, Jim and Kathy McCrain began a five month oddessy in New Zealand. Kathy was transferred to Auckland for a temporary work assignment, and Jim followed her for moral support. (Isn't he just the greatest husband?) What follows is Jim's account of this adventure.
Greetings from the most famous Hobbit Hole in the World!
March 21, 2004
As many of you know, I am a JRR Tolkien fan. I have read "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" almost every year for about 20 years. So when we got a chance to visit the set location for Hobbiton from Peter Jackson's fantastic movie trilogy "The Lord of the Rings," we went! Kathy was a little apprehensive about this two-hour trip, but I think she really enjoyed it. For me, it was a chance to actually visit "Middle Earth." Not many people get this chance, and as a fan of the books, I HAD to take a look! Kathy said I was "like a kid in a toy store!"
Jim and Kathy in "Bag End"!
(The home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.)
"The Hill" with Bag End at top and "#3 Bagshot Row" in the center of the picture.
(#3 is the home of Sam Gamgee and his father, the "Old Gaffer".
A "Hobbit Hole" along Bagshot Row.
Jim and Kathy outside another "Hobbit Hole."
The "Party Tree" and "Party Field"
as seen from Bag End.
"If I take one more step, ... I'll be further away from home than I've ever been." Sam Gamgee.
(The red pole marks the spot were Sam uttered this stoid statement.)
Hey Ben! Recognize this corn field! (The field shown above was filled with corn at the time that the movie was shot.
The view out the front door of Bag End.
Bagshot row lies just below, in the small valley to the left.
It was like a dream come true. I have been fortunate enough to have actually visited "The Shire." If you have never read "The Lord of the Rings," I highly urge you to do so. It is a magical tale of mystery, suspense, mythology, friendship, and the battle between good and evil. It has something for everyone, even my friend Ben!
And if you don't read the
books, then at least go see the three movies!
You'll want to visit "Middle Earth" for yourself!
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