Back down to ChCh. We’d had a sister (Sara) of Maaike’s good friend Eefje (yes, Maaike only has friends who have double vowels in their name) staying in the house, and we fortunately got to see them. Michael (Sara’s partner) was a photographer.. and had been to some very interesting places… seen things that I’d definitely not like to see too!
Then it was off South to Wanaka, where Maaike and I had a days climbing. It was so great to be back out on Real Rock again… I’d almost forgotten what it was like. Definitely planning on getting my climbing skills up a little this year.
We also had time for a little game of mini golf. I think Maaike must have been a little off form that day, as usually I’m defeated badly when we play, but this time I prevailed in fine style. Not that anyone’s counting of course. Ehem. And yes, I do wear a funny hat.. otherwise I just bake in the sun (sun does seem more… vicious.. down here)
Then it was off to Cromwell to meet up with Sjoerd and Heleen, and to stay at our friends Clare and David. Had a very relaxed New Years there. They’re living on a lifestyle block – so all? the fruit on this pavlova was from their garden (and it was yum)
Next it was back to Wanaka, and then headed North towards the coast, taking in a 3 day tramp (the Gillespie pass circuit)
It was an excellent tramp, but I must say, my feet (and the rest of me) were knackered by the end of it. I’m not quite sure why I fared so badly, as I’m not actually feeling that unfit at the moment, but yes.. tricky enough.
Definitely a good tramp, and one I’d like to get back to again as we missed the side trip to what’s supposed to be the highlight – a hanging glacier lake. Unfortunately we ran out of time.
After that it was off to Gillespie beach (just who was this Gillespie chap anyway) for the night.. we lit a fire on the beach, it was great.
Finally, managed to video this utterly weird phenomenon of a cairn building itself on a beach. Weird.
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