My trip to the Antipodes

Hi, "Howarrya", the usual Kiwi greeting.

Around the pretty "french" town of Akaroa, there is the remains of a large but long extinct volcano, the centre of which has been flooded by the sea and the surounding rim now well vegetated with forest and pasture and with spectacular views in all directions. The whole thing is known as The Banks Peninsula.

The Banks Peninsula track turned out to be a wonderful icing to my New Zealand cake. Carolyn had suggested the curcuit and I'm so pleased that I did it. There are two options for walking the 35kms of coastal track, a four day version starting at one lodge and overnighting at three others, or the two day version where you walk on past the second and fourth. I had little option but to do the two day. We were twelve doing the four day and five the two day. All loaded into a bus at 6pm to travel the 10 minutes up the mountain to a lodge with garden filled by evening sun and overlooking Akaroa inlet. There were no flies or mossies. Heaven! I had brought along a nice Pinot Noir, poured myself a large glass and settled back into the swing hammock and soaked up the view and the sunshine. Apologies to you all back home in Narnia UK. I smile to myself constantly..

Next morning woke to very painful left foot still very blistered, and bruised right heel and seriously wondered whether I could do the 12/13 miles first day. Breakfasted on the usual fruit and meusli, took a couple of Ibuprofen and a couple more paras, fastened my boots and went for it. It all worked out not too badly. The morning walk took us over and around a couple of promentaries and down to Flea Bay. Didn't hang about, which was apity because I could have restocked the wine at not unreasonable price. Afternoon was slightly overcast but dry with reasonable views and easy walking to Stony Bay. Now this was the magic of the walk. Wooden shacks, outdoor heated "Heath Robinson" baths, a shower built alongside the trunk of a large tree and supplied by a circular header tank perched on top of the old tree stump. A pool table made from an old cart with paint tins to catch the balls. A huge swing suspended from a large piece of old tree. Wonderful water closets, fruit trees flowers and  campfire. And NO FLIES! Must go back to do it again. Met lots of interesting people, two vets from Christchurch with their wives one of whom helps people write and publish their biographies.. fascinating stories. Then there was Trevor and Sue from Aukland but who had worked in Uk for 3 years. Was a project engineer for Karsten Marine? of Ipswich but worked in S Wales and elsewhere. Now runs a very succesful engineering and construction company. Two giggly girls from Holland with "Mum" They were already in one of the outdoor baths together as I arrived in camp. Can't imagine what they were up to but it was obviously hilairiously funny.. for all those within earshot as well! Fact.. Mum worked as a nurse in Dutch National Health and being over 55 qualified for a total of 10 weeks holiday! That did include national holidays but even so! Then there was CHEN pronounced as if you weere about to spit .... qsqwwrren, a red headed little Isreali girl who was full of bounce and "Cool" and I'm sure that she was constantly high and on a different planet.

Next day feet feeling much better. Completed the 9/10 miles back to Akaroa by soon after 3pm. Rested with a pot of tea on the waterfront at Akaroa before the relatively short drive to Rakaia and meet up again with Carolyn and Peter and a long soak in the bath.

Off loading the camping stuff for Zak to use. Maybe one day I can get back here and borrow it again but in the meantime I'm sure Zak will put it to good use. It has done me very well but not sure when I am likely to pitch a tent again... though I have enjoyed it!

Am having difficulties downloading pictures so may have to wait until I get to Perth before I can try again. Pity 'cos theres lots to put on.

I must return the car late afternoon so shall leave here after early lunch, drop off the car and find a bed in Christchurch for the night. I report to the airport after lunch tomorrow, Saturday, and fly off to Oz and Part 2 of my Antipodean Journey.

Rakaia, Stardate, Friday 20th February 11:00 am. Weather... bucketing down.. I'm getting the blame.. hee hee.   bfn  Grandad

More news when I get to OZ