Ali has now started her teaching job. It's been a gradual introduction, starting before the Easter break but with only one child in her class at that point. The start of term 2 sees her with a class of nine that will grow over the term as the children reach their fifth birthday's.The first dusting of snow on the mountains prompted us to pay a visit to Antarctica. Actually, it was the International Antarctic Centre at the Airport. We thoroughly enjoyed the penguins and informative displays, but the highlights were the 'blizzard' room (where we donned heavy duty clothing and endured -15oC winds) and the tracked vehicle ride, which knocked the spots of any roller coaster I've been on.
At the end of March, both boys were onboard in the Heathcote River Raft Race. The Council had run this event last year with 25 rafts. This year 105 turned up on the day, which created a certain amount of good natured chaos which the Council did a brilliant job in sorting out as they rustled up extra entry forms and numbers. Matt was on the Scout raft, but (as the picture below shows) he decided to swim for it at one point.
Josh was on a raft with friends, who'd lashed together a couple of kayaks. Water and flour bombs launched from the rafts and banks meant that no-one went home dry and clean. The whole thing was finished off with a 'sausage sizzle' at St Martin's scout den. The Council deserve credit for all the things they put on in Christchurch. This was a good example of well supported community event.On Good Friday we all cycled round to Halswell Quarry for the Passion Play, which was really well done. Then on Easter Sunday, Ali and I helped organise the service at church, which concluded with a 'communion' meal of lamb sandwiches.
With the boys on holiday we then headed south to Otago ready to tackle the 150km Otago Central Rail Trail on our bikes. We'd organised this at the last minute with friends, sorting out accommodation and logistics (how to ensure we had transport waiting at the end of each day) only a couple of weeks ago.
Having spent a night in Alexandra, we left Clyde to do our first 40km day. Two days of gradual climbing as we rode north culminated with us reaching the highest point of the ride and turning southeast towards Middlemarch, which we reached on the fourth day. We had one wet day, but by then the gradient was with us and we had a tailwind. Any mid-morning 'blues' were banished by a welcome hot chocolate in a welcoming trailside pub. Below, Josh strikes out towards one of the tunnels on the Poolburn section of the trail.
.The school holidays ended with a sporting weekend. Both boys made winning debuts for their respective football teams on Saturday morning, then in the evening we went to see the Crusaders playing in the Super 14 (that's rugby union!).
On Sunday, it was lovely to have out first 'family' visitor to our new home, when one of my Australian cousins called in while on a tour of the country and gently reminded me to update the blog.
Sue, it is done!
