The journey is a real stunner though and we took our time crossing the mountains at Arthur's Pass (more about this later). The car had to work really hard at the hills, both up and down, suffering brake fade for most of the trip down! We made it safely to the relative flat surrounds of Lake Brunner and began the last leg in rapidly fading light. We found the cafe that had the key to the Bach and searched for it in the dark. After dumping our belongings and switching on the heat and water we headed back to the cafe for dinner. The boys were late to bed, but unfortunately their internal clocks were not fooled by morning.
Saturday was just glorious and we woke to a fantastic view of the lake from the upper floor of the bach. We wandered through the township to the lake, it was fine and clear and the lake was like a mirror - just beautiful.
The coal train passed under the footbridge and Ben was thrilled that the driver waved to him! The boys even braved the cold water for a little paddle, but that didn't last long! Unfortunately our planned boat trip on the lake had to be cancelled because the operators had all taken their boats to a neighbouring lake to search for a missing canoeist. No joy on Sunday either as the search continued.
The change of plan meant that in the afternoon we headed into Greymouth. Matt and Joe spent an hour living it large by going off roading on a go-kart (while Ben slept on oblivious in the car). Of course they brought back a field full of mud on their clothes, which are now soaking in a bucket!
Once the adrenalin junkies had regained their composure we headed along the coast (Tasman Sea) to Shantytown. This replica gold rush town filled Ben's requirements for a good day out because we had a great ride on a steam train and even got to stand in the cab. Joe pulled the whistle and made us all jump - even though we were expecting it!
We panned for gold and carried away our few flakes in a bottle - Joe is taking his in for show and tell at kindy tomorrow! The boys played with 19th century toys (stilts and hobby horses) and explored the jail, stocks and tried to lift a ball and chain - no they couldn't.
Funny how children can persuade you to stop at every photo opportunity!?
Sunday was a more relaxed affair as we took our time returning to Christchurch, making several stops along the way. We lunched at the Wobbly Kea in Arthur's Pass, but decided not to walk to the Devil's Punchbowl because of the rain! Unusually the west coast had had the drier weekend! - lucky for us! (No keas bothered us - much to Joe and Ben's disappointment.)
A short, windy, steep drive later we stopped again and spent a couple of hours working off lunch by climbing hills and boulders at Castle Hill.
Couldn't dislodge them though !
Can't wait to see the mountains fully capped with snow - the first tantalising glimpses could be seen through the cloud so it will not be too long now!
To Joe.
ReplyDeleteI really liked it when you and Sarah were on the pretend toilet. It made me and mummy laugh a lot. I also liked it when Ben was saying neigh on his pretend horse.
Love from Lauren xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx