Still alive and kicking, just busy.... and lazy....

Well I've been guilty for being one of those blog neglectors, no excuses. There's quite a bit to update and I don't have the time to update it all in perfect chronology. So expect a slew of random posts of NZ, this lovely slice of heaven tucked away in a corner of the planet we live in :)

Lets start with the Waipara Valley and Mt Lyford. I decided to have a breather and took a short trip north of Christchurch. An hours drive up north of Chch lands you in the Waipara Valley known for its rolling hills, green pastures and vineyards. It has a tuscan countryside feel to it. However the numerous sheep you encounter reminds you of where you actually are.

For a splendid view of the valley (and the Pacific Ocean), take the time to walk up Mt Cass. It is a very well marked and moderately steep 2.5h return walk that is well worth the effort. Here is what you can expect to see along the way and at the top!

As the sun started setting, the temperature started plummeting and my fingers were getting frozen. Couldn't take anymore photos and it was time to bugger off to the mountains! On the suggestion of a good friend, I drove further north to the foot hills of the Southern Alps where the village of Mt Lyford was nestled. My accommodation for the two nights was to be one of the hidden gems. It was called the Mt Lyford Lodge. It oozes the charm of a thoroughbred ski lodge from its timber walls to the warm glow that exudes from its grand fireplace. At the heart of the lodge is the magnificent bar and restaurant that you could almost imagine full and bustling with ski bunnies sharing experiences and laughter over a few pints! While the lodge wasnt on Mt Lyford itself, it did afford a reasonably good view of it through its grand windows.

A little drive up hill takes you to the village of Mt Lyford and beyond it the ski fields. The nice thing about visiting a ski area in the off season is the peace and quiet that you get. There are a few walks around the village and you could walk up to the top of the mountain if you wished to. However I chose to do a leisure stroll instead to Lake Crystal. While the lake itself wasn't too impressive but the bellbirds that you encounter in the beech forest along the way is magical in itself. As you ascend, you are also rewarded to grand views of the Canterbury plains and the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps to your right. You could also make out the distant rolling hills of the Waipara valley towards the left. There are mini ridges along this walk that catches just the right amount of sun and when the breeze is gentle enough makes the perfect spot to just lie on the grass while soaking up the views, tranquility and distant calls of the bell birds :)

With almost half the day left I thought I'd try out horse riding for the first time. There is a nice lady called Kate who organizes this right beside the lodge. She is very friendly and cool. It was an eye opener learning how to ride a horse. This is also the first time I've ever tried riding any animal. Kate was an excellent teacher and I could instantly tell she knows her stuff! The rider-animal dynamics/interaction is very interesting and a good understanding certainly makes for a better ride. It requires starting with a thought and allowing your body to enact this thought thus communicating your intentions to your horse. Above all, you need to maintain your authority and always praise your horse when he/she listens!

As I 'rode off into the sunset', so did my little break come to an end :)