2nd February 2004
Wasn't able to get to the mountains today. It was pouring with rain all day. Instead we went to go and see Return of the King for the third time.
9th February 2004
We just spent our first Waitangi weekend camping at Craigieburn. It took us a while to get going. We had to get a gas bottle filled and that turned out to be a bit of a drama.
The drive was beautiful. We pulled into Craigieburn around lunch time and found a spot in a glade by a little stream.
Unfortunately I had a terrible attack of gout and could barely walk. I managed one slow hike to Lyndon Saddle.The scenery was beautiful and the forest was singularly quiet apart from the occasional shower of rain and the piping of a single bird which seemed to follow me along the path.
We got to use our brand new camp stove and our trusty old tent. Marisa made us a delicious meal as always. She is one of those people who can cook a gourmet meal in a milo tin over a cigarette lighter. It was a full moon night and in the mountains the moon was large and so white it looks to be made of ice.
I slept like a log both nights. It was quite different to camping in Australia. The Keas calling at night sound a little spooky. Even the rain and the gout couldn't dampen my spirits on that beautiful weekend.
Just to top things off perfectly we went though Aurthur's Pass on the way home and there was fresh snow on the slopes.
--Brook
17th February 2004
Wow, there is snow on the mountains visible from our house. I'm told that it will all melt again over the next week but ... WOW!
We drove out tonight to have a look after Marisa finished work. Unfortunately, by that time the mist was closing in on the Misty Mountains. We drove to Springfield and had a coffee. For one brief but magical minute we got to see one snow covered mountain top hanging in the sky above the mist.
We had our coffees and a chat with the lady who runs the cafe (and makes a fair venison pie) and then we headed home.
I am so ready for Winter.
--Brook
27th February 2004
Marisa's birthday today. We had dinner at the "Sign of the Takehe" restaurant on top of Cashmere Hill at Dyers Pass Road. We arrive at around 7:00pm which was quite early but since Marisa was working the next day we didn't want to be too late.
You have to ring a doorbell to get in and there was a cruel cold wind blowing on top of the hill. By the time we got in we were freezing.
Inside the restaurant is very plush. It is designed like the interious of an English Manor house with a freize of historical peoples around the top of the walls, suits of armour and shields.
As we stepped in were led, passed a pianist playing a Beethoven sonata, to our table in front of a roaring fireplace.
The food was wonderful. We skipped the entree because of our high protein diets and ordered our main courses. The specialty of the house is lobster but neither Marisa or I are big fans of it.
They served a sauteed duck breast as an appetiser. Like everything else that night it was delicious. I had the beef and a selection of New Zealand cheeses for dessert. The cheeses came with a very nice port. Marisa had a wild berry tart.
The deserts were served personally by the chef and were spectacularly presented.
Suprisingly there were not many patrons. The total bill + tips was over $200 for the three of us so it isn't really the sort of place for diners on a budget but definitely the place to go if you want to treat yourself or someone special.
When we arrived it was still daylight and we had views to the foothills. By the time we left the lights of Christchurch were laid out before us.
--Brook
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