Heading North

 21st February

Surely we wouldn't be so unlucky to have a repeat performance of the night before. This was supposed to be a secure place to stay. In fact, we even chatted away to one of the security guards last night, assured us that we would have no problem. Well he was wrong. 

We had only just departed for bed. The pop top remained up, (a) so we could have some headroom first thing in the morning and (b) the side vents could stay open, boy was it sticky and humid last night. One big downside leaving it up, we couldn't escape any noise from outside. And so it was that youths appeared in cars, spinning wheels, and with radios a blaring. Where were the security guards? And how did they get through a locked gate one end and barrier the other? Anyway this continued for hours, By midnight we decided we had had enough, Ian got dressed and pulled down the top. The plan was to leave, quite to where had not been discussed. Anyway pulling the top down helped immensely and the music also stopped, uncanny how that happened at the same time. Car doors slammed and they all disappeared, Alleluia. Back to bed Ian came and before long he was out like a light. As for me, I lay awake listening to more cars coming and going. Very strange that they should drive in and then straight out again. And as to the security guards, no hide not hair was seen from the two of them!

This morning the gate was unlocked and as to that barrier, It could never have been lowered in the first place with all that coming and going.

You can't really make out the barrier at the end.

Getting ready for the SailGP (Grand Prix) a two-day spectacle of exhilarating races, intense rivalries and action-packed entertainment. (That was what was mentioned on the net)

 

 There was a lot of driving today, first to Lyttleton to cancel our Sparks phone and Wi-Fi. 30 days notice had to be given, hmm, that means our New Zealand adventures are soon to end. Lyttleton welcomes the cruise ships. This one arrived first morning.

The harbour was packed.

A small but busy port.

 Then it was through the tunnel towards Christchurch to find a Liquid Launderette. Wish we had these in the UK, they are so easy to use with loads of washing machines and the same number of dryers. There is also a designated machine for pet blankets and large capacity machines for things like duvets, blankets etc. In under an hour, all the washing and drying completed and back on the road.

Leaving the outskirts of Christchurch we took the SH1 North. Lunch was had at the Kaiapoi Island, shame the Toy wasn't a 4x4 because I rather fancied going down onto the dry stone riverbed. Too much of a hump to negotiate and probably not a good idea to get down and then not able to get back up. 

We saw this coming over the bridge, lovely place to stop for lunch.

It was hot and the sun beat down through the windscreen making us even hotter. A decision had been made to go into a proper site, not just because we wanted to cool down with a tepid showers, but with us gone for 12 hours yesterday and the fridge staying on all that time, the leisure battery was a tad lower than we wanted. The solar blanket had been put in the windscreen but our position in the station car park was such that only the morning sun did any good.

Greta Valley camping ground was where we stopped. With just one caravan already parked we had the run of the place and could choose our spot. Slight issue with road noise. The SH1 was above the site, it did quieten down after 10.30pm and to be fair, New Zealand roads are hardly the motorways of the UK. In fact find a line of four or five cars and one thinks the roads are crowded! Somehow I have lost the photos of the site. I have a horrible feeling I deleted them by mistake. I did mention to Ian about going back. I won't print his answer!!

And seen on route

Every one of those spiky bits are in fact small windmills blades. A real sight to behold when the wind blew.