Crossing from one side of the island to the other. Day 2

 The day started as usual, waking around 6am, so we are not yet on holiday time. It's odd to wake up without hearing the chirping of birds in the morning like we do at home.

We found a nearby cafe to get us our coffee fix, and were delighted to see some gluten free offerings. While discussing how the day was going to go, I convinced David to go into the BNZ office to see how things were for two of his team down there. DG can tell you how it went. (for work purposes, my husband only has intials, no name)


We said goodbye to our accomodation after we repackaged up the luggage between the remaining bags and it went much better packing the car. We all managed to get it done without David's help. We headed off to find him. Google searching and then my failure to follow instructions, as well as missundersatnding left and right (as usual) meant it took a bit longer to find a carpark. We found David, decided not to see anymore as it was starting to rain.

Boys a little too big for the playground

Then it was off to one of DG's team for a home visit. A lovely chat, a game of fluxx, and then we were off headed for Arthur's Pass. It's an incredible road and one day I might be able to be a passenger on it with my eyes open the whole way and not clinging on for dear life fearing that my life is about to be over.......




Jonty asleep again

corners give great views (if you open your eyes)

The first stop was Kura Tāwhiti (Castle Hill) to see some rocks (and a much needed toilet stop). This is a certainly recommended stop - a nice and gentle walk with cool, cool limestone features. Rocks rock.

Much appreciated toilet

Our car, boot paked impeccibly









Then we went into Arthur's Pass visit, first to the National Park office, then to the general store to find the kitchen had closed hours ago, and the cabinet had few (sweet) gf options and while they had dedicated tongs, these were in the same container with the other ones. Nothing seemed safe. Always prepared corn thins, mayo, relish, ham and cheese slices make it all okay.

lunch






After lunch we did the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall walk. It is not lying when they mention stairs, but a rewarding climb.









The family all added songs to the group playlist and so it's been a varied mix of singalong tunes. Some of the parent choives are not fully appeciated, but we enjoy belting out the chorus. I suspect some will become iconic to the trip. 

Kea count is 3. We don't think it was all the same one.

We made it to the other side, to our accomodation, which is lovely. Not too long after arriving we heard siren after siren after siren really close by and they went on for ages. They were still going after my shower. Checking the papers gave no indication of disaster. Once we headed into town to get some food we realised there was indeed a Santa Parade that had just finished. I suspected that would have been what was going on.

Ingredients bought, dinner made and hopefully to the beach before the sun goes down. It's been a delightfully sunny, sunny afternoon.












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