For me this was the worst day of boarding, for Maaike, the best (I think). I was still pretty tired from the bike ride… and my waterproofs.. weren’t. So I had a lovely couple of hours off (after getting soaked and cold in the first hour!) and read the New Scientist (thanks again mum and dad) and joined Maaike after lunch for some more boarding. No pictures from today!

Thursday really was a rest day at last!

Tuesday – the weather wasn’t looking great for boarding, so Maaike and I decided to have a lazyish day – and do a cruisey 26km round trip bike ride. Suggested by Graham.

Now, it would be fair to say that it wasn’t a technical ride and that, in summer, it would have been easy. However – with months of wet weather – it was quite like biking through heavy wet sand/mud for – 20 of the 26kms.

It was pretty much farmland for most of the way

…with the odd river crossing throw in for good measure (quite nippy on the toes)

Some bleedin’ rest day – we were both completely knackered by the end of it!

Monday morning – up early (7:15 – great time to start your holiday) and off to Ohau for the day. It’s a great field – probably my favourite (and completely coloured – as I had a wonderful day – and my first ever powder day – the first time I was there). These two pics of the field, and Maaike coming downhill.

Anyways.. Not the greatest video ever – but here is one of Maaike…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJzKB_tIe1Y]

She made amazing progress this week – and is definitely ready to get onto the nut-crackers at the club fields before this season is out.

Delicious roast dinner (from lamb that Maaike got through the polytec – good system that!) excellent start to the week.

Just a couple of quick pics from before the holiday posts..

Had what might very well be the last flat party before we all get kicked out (the landlady (lovely)) has cancer.. so not too sure what’s happening really.

Anyway – we had a pot luck.. a very kiwi thing?! – where everyone brings a different part of the meal. Really great way of trying lots of different foods – and a cheap and recession proof way to entertain! :)

And then on the Sunday that Maaike and I left for our much needed holiday – Glynn and Jayne were in town.. I believe it’s publicish knowledge now – so it wasn’t just the two of them who came down.. there’s a foster-in-waiting too. Congratulations to them both! Amazing. Anyway – Graham, Myra, Glynn, Jayne, Maaike and I all met up for breakfast at “Under the red Verandah”. Quite yum.

Straight after breakfast – well, brunch, Maaike and I headed down to Twizel (down by Mount Cook). Had a horrible time getting the shopping.. the mall was completely full on a lovely sunny day.

We could see the mountains beckoning (as only mountains can with those big fingers of theirs) in the distance.. but yes.. really glad to get out of Riccarton Mall and head Southwards to Twizel. Did have a decent sunset on the way down!

We were staying in Michelle (Greenwoods) bach (holiday home).. all the water is turned off for winter (in case things freeze up and burst pipes etc.), so had to get all that working on arrival. Did so (phew).

Hopefully this isn’t libellous or slanderous or any other sort of ous.. but a former college mate was elected to a county council position. I asked him about NAMA.. and I thought this Facebook image was.. classic.