We stayed in a grotty pub in a grotty town, but it was cheap so we are not complaining, even though the hot water took 12 minutes to reach the shower. The rain had closed in so the views were shrouded in clouds as we progressed North in the morning, choosing to take minor roads because that is often where we find the gems.
Small town craft shops, second hand stores and art galleries were our destinations today as the outdoors were a little bit too sodden and blowy for these two wussy tropical types. We chatted with friendly people and bought a few small nick-nacks here and there, Rod even picked up a wind-up fob watch fairly cheaply, and we found a chocolaterie where we gave in to our wicked urges and purchased some naughtiness.
We passed through diverse environments today, lush grazing country, stone-fruit orchards, dry rocky gorges and past some big lakes, all of which we viewed through the rain spattered wound-up windows.
We are gradually making our way back toward Christchurch through the central mountain region, hoping for a bit of sunshine tomorrow so we can enjoy the scenery. Goodness only knows what we may find!
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