Dad's Present

A work of artistic genius! 

Thank You

James wants to say thank you for all his lovely presents and wish everyone a merry xmas. XXX 

Merry Xmas

Tracy pulled out all the stops decorating the house this xmas. 

W is for...

Saw this billboard the other day and almost split my sides. FYI, hell is a local pizza company. Mmmm pizza. 

A Special Message From James

 

Best of the Santa Parade

 

Santa Parade

James attended his first Santa parade. I think his mum was more excited though. We had a real variety of floats and vehicles this year. Hells Angels, The Simpsons, Stormtroopers, the Wizard, Hare Krishnas, K.I.T.T, Thunderbirds and the big guy himself.

It was fun, even for a grinch like me. I didn't quite make it to the end though. Little James fell asleep and I sneaked off to a nearby pub to catch the cricket. 

James First Paddle

He was a bit unsure at first but he was soon splashing around like a little penguin. 

Flea Bay

We spent the afternoon at Flea Bay and I took James for his first dip in the ocean. 

Akaroa Head

The view from the cliff tops is worth the slightly scary drive. 

Akaroa From Lighthouse Rd

We had lunch (v. good fish and chips) at the old french settlement of Akaroa. Afterwards we drove to the lighthouse at the head of the harbour. 

One-Eyed Fan

Tracy knitted James this jumper in Canterbury colours. For those who don't know, Canterbury rugby fans are considered so biased that the rest of New Zealand call us 'one-eyed'.

I also like this photo as it is the first one I have seen where he looks a bit like his dad! 

Cheers

Garry took this group photo just before a fantastic italian feast 

Mud, Glorious Mud!

 

In Deep Water

That's yours truly driving my motor through the mud pools on the far side of the river. I have never seen them that deep and I was worried that I might get some water in my engine. Dougal advised me to take it slowly which was surprisingly sensible for him. Anyway I made it to the other side OK.

Total Gridlock

 

Just Checking...

Steve adopts a more cautious approach to testing the water depth.

Surfin'

 

A Big Splash

Stuart tests the depth of the water. 

Dougal and Marree at the Car Wash

Messing About on the River

Just before tea a few of us went for a drive across the river. The Avoca is a 'braided river'. These are common in the south island. The river splits into many streams as it runs over a wide river bed. Getting from one side to the other involves crossing many braids, some are just streams and some are deep and wide.

We have had a lot of rain in Canterbury and I have never seen the river so high and wild. It was a white knuckle ride and my heart was pounding a couple of times. I didn't want to have to tell Tracy that I had drowned the car!

The Avoca and Harper Rivers

This great view of the valley is from high up on the walk to Lake Lillian. 

A Short Stroll

I have walked up to Lake Lillian many times but never get sick of the view. 

The Avoca Valley

'The Retreat' is an old wooden house run by the owners of Glenthorne Station. It sleeps over 20 people and is situated in the bunch of trees at the bottom of the valley. (see picture).

There is no electricity but there is gas for lighting, cooking and hot water and a log burner for heat.

Its a great place to get away from it all and de-stress. About the only downside are the swarms of sandflies that pounce as soon as you step outside. 

Glenthorne Station

Glenthorne Station in the distance, in the foreground the Harper river empties into Lake Coleridge. In the evening light it was quite a sight.