Over Arthur's Pass for a wedding rehearsal

Friday 30 January

Early alarm - both on the phone and from the birds outside. We handed over responsibility for Banjo to the Fernandi and hit the road moments after 8am - heading north then over Arthur’s Pass to Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Beautiful day for a long drive - 5 hours plus stops - and first time for us heading UP the West Coast.

Paused in Hokitika for diesel then swung inland at Kumara Junction along SH73 up the stupidly steep Otira Gorge...

through Arthur’s Pass (still no kea sightings)

past Cass, Cavestream and Castle Hill, down Porters Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to CHC.

We arrived early so detoured to the airport to get bottles of bog chemicals for us and the Fernandi (top hint - always way cheaper at the UK Caravans store), then made for Papanui where Louis had a swim and I got a pedicure for my sad neglected toe nails!

On the dot of 4pm we arrived at Edmonds Factory Gardens to meet my wedding couple - Mickayla and Hamish - and all their attendants for a wedding rehearsal. All went well - especially considering there were 7 bridesmaids, 7 groom’s people, 4 young ring bearers and 3 tinies!

Back to Woodend Beach for the night with Ella & Josh - dinner, Christmas presents from Auntie Linus and a walk on the beach before collapsing into bed!