Travel and Recovery

The journey to the airport in Roger's company was uneventful, as it should be. This gave us time to consider what we had been unable to finish from our long worklist and decide whether to panic. Luckily, whilst we are aware that some things will need to be dealt with while we are away nothing was important enough to panic about.

Arrived in plenty of time for a meal at Heathrow before boarding the first of 3 flights. Heathrow - Dubai - Sydney - Christchurch.
Departed 8.45 and arrived 13.50 two days later. The additional 12 hours being courtesy of time zones.

After very little sleep, six or more movies (hope they improve the selection for the return flights), 5 meals, including 2 breakfasts, (not all edible) we finally landed in the Land of the Long White Clouds more than ready for some R&R.

Collection of our car went smoothly and at first sight it will be adequate transport for the next 2 months.

Away from Christchurch there

are few cars on the road and our journey to Hanmer Springs was uneventful, despite our tiredness, and we happily checked into our hotel, the Drifters Inn, in time to find a local bar and pizza for our first culinary feast.

Our body clocks are all to pot and I am sure it will take a number of days before we both are sleeping properly. So after a late start, which enabled us to miss the morning rain, we ventured into this picturesque alpine village to view the shops and galleries before the main attraction. The thermal pools.

Heated by underground thermal streams there is a definite sulphuric smell lingering about the place. But with pools ranging in heat from 36-37°C to 42°C Bobby was in heaven. The strategically placed water jets added to the pleasure! In the past I have found this a perfect way to get over the aches of the long flight and it was again the same. In fact the 2 hours was over too soon.

Next morning (Saturday) woke to blue skies and temp in the low 70°'s. Our relaxation was made complete by an hour massage in the local spa. Very plush and special.
Ready now for the rest of our trip. Kaikoura and the Whales, here we come.