|
|
|
We decide that we should really look at Christchurch City Centre, so drive in. It is all very strange, with old beautiful buildings mixed with 70’s concrete messes. The botanical gardens were nice, Matthew enjoyed the park, but being approached by street beggars puts me off a bit more.
We then head to Banks Peninsular. This is 75km from Christchurch, but seems a lot longer, both in character and distance. It is a beautiful place, full of bays, with a lovely road which winds around the bays for miles upon miles. We stop off on the way at a cheese factory, then finally park up overlooking the town of Akaroa and the bay around it.
Matthew finds his 3rd park of the day on the campsite, so he is happy. He is much more adventurous now, and in love with slides. He will climb up the highest ladder to reach a slide, it is scary watching him sometimes, but I want to give him his independence also. He watches other kids and copies them, and I think is now quite adept on the various playground equipment. He will always head for the older kids stuff now, not content with the smaller slide or little ladders.
Lloyd has also had a growth spurt. I must take a photo of him with Matthew, as it is possible to see how the gap is closing between them. He doesn’t seem colicky anymore, but still does suffer with wind now and again. His hair is quite wavy, the jury is still out on the colour, though I suspect it will be similar to Matthews.
Tues 20th March – Akaroa
A lazy day is spent in Akaroa. Matthew plays in the park in town for quite some time, then I take him to the beach whilst Steve takes Lloyd to get the van from the campsite. Matthew has a wonderful time on the beach, sitting in the sea filling up his bucket with sea water and pouring it over him! I would have taken a picture but was petrified of him drowning so didn’t get round to it! The day is finished off with a drive to Le Bons Bay which is also lovely, then back home for fish and chips (again!).
We are enjoying just staying put for a couple of days, we need to recharge our batteries after the driving of recent days, and as the weather is nice we are making the most of it.
Anyhow I am off to sleep – it is 9pm and I can barely keep my eyes open. The boys are all asleep already, including Steve.
Wed 21st March - Akaroa
Another day beckons in Akaroa. Based on the success of yesterday where me and Steve split Up with 1 kid each we do the same today. This time I take Lloyd and Steve takes Matthew. I am pretty tired from the previous night, where Lloyd was a bit restless. It's nice getting a break from Matthew, and Steve!
We meet up after an hour or so, and head to the beach as a family. The time is flying by and I think it must have been gone 4pm when we leave the beach. Matthew just trundles up and down getting water in his bucket, and we sit there screaming occassionally when he goes to far in the water, or swapping Lloyd over to feed him. Another couple turn up who have a 4 month old and a 3 year old, and for a time I think we are the loudest group in Akaroa!! I did debate suggesting we all have dinner together, but the thought of 2 more children screaming is too much to bear, and I think they felt similiar.
After an afternoon at the beach Matthew is shattered (hurrah!), and falls to sleep in the pram. Lloyd is also asleep in the baby carrier, so its nice to stroll along the harbourside and savour the temporary peace. Steve decides to go fishing off the wharf, strange how men always manage to be able to escape isnt it?!
Steve catches a baby shark. It was quite distressing for me, Im not a fan of killing things (hypocrite I know as Im a meat eater), and its not nice seeing the shark wriggling around on the deck. Steve does put it back in the water though (minus the hook), and it swims off, so maybe it was okay. Im not so sure having a great big hook in your mouth doesnt cause a bit of damage myself, but there you go.
We must have been one of the last people to leave Akaroa town that evening, getting back to the caravan park up the hill just after sunset. It was a good day.
previous travel blog entry
Would you like to comment or ask a question?
Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).