Meyricke Serjeantson
 

Feb 22 Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

After enough breakfast to last the day, I wandered into town and found some ducks exploring the shopping precinct. I suppose there is a pond here as the river is several kilometres away.

The post shop gave me access to the internet. It was a very fast connection but I had to use it standing up. This enabled me to clear huge quantities of rubbish so that I may be able to do some work in Christchurch this evening.


Ducks going to the Post Office


Hanmer Springs pools

There was still plenty of cloud around, which seemed to be good news as it would reduce the risk of sunburn while I was floating around in the pools. I sat outside in the car, waiting for 10 o’clock opening.

Cameras not being allowed inside, or I doubt they were, I was unable to record the hot pools. I spent an hour moving around between pools of varying temperatures and even ventured into the relatively cool swimming pool.

By this  time I had had enough and felt the need to emerge. I suppose I did feel a bit tired after my exertion, perhaps relaxed would be a better word, but I can’t imagine spending the whole morning there.

The cloud settled as I drove down the valley and I arrived at the Waiau Gorge bridge in time to find a jet boat performing lots of manoeuvres for the camera. I took full advantage, was joined by another chap who was similarly inclined and then we went on our respective ways.

Half way down the valley is the Hurunui Hotel, now refurbished and offering a nice lunch. It is similar to an English pub, with small bars and lots of wood.

The rest of the journey was uneventful and I arrived at John & Anne’s on schedule. There was no one home except the new guard dog, who made lots of noise. After about 5 minutes, the rest of the family arrived and I was allowed in to unpack.

   

After a brief rest, we caught the bus into town, walked a short distance to the Twisted Hop, met up with some more friends and did justice to several pints of the best beer in New Zealand. The bus ride home was uneventful, as was the Thai takeaway. The dog was sick overnight, which was strange as he had neither the Thai food nor the surfeit of beer.

Right: Beer & scratchings

 

Next Chapter