While 2021/22 was a year of lockdowns and restrictions, we did manage to get out and about, albeit being careful about social distancing and mask-wearing.
(Click on images to enlarge)
In early January, Graeme joined Andy, Cath and grandson Matthew to hike the Tongariro Crossing.
This walk ranks in the top 10 of one-day hikes in the world. The day was beautiful and it left us all with a sense of satisfaction having completed it.
Three of the “four boys” came together in February to celebrate niece Alana’s wedding to Karl. Robin couldn’t make it due to the NZ Covid travel restrictions.
We then headed south for a month of cycling on the tracks and trails of Central Otago, stopping off to spend a day with Cath, Jake & Esme at the beach.
We headed South with the first stop being in Kaikoura, then Christchurch, before meeting up with the Kings in Oamaru.
We did a few short rides around Oamaru
We stopped off at Ann’s brother Bill’s home in Wingatui just out of Dunedin; while there, we attended nephew Geoff’s wedding to Kirsty
(There is 100 years difference between Mira and her great-grandfather)
Next stop, we regrouped with the Kings at Ann’s sister’s holiday home in Twizel.
It was then on to Central Otago, where we stayed at both Alexandra and Cromwell. We commenced our time in central with a lovely meal at Mt Difficulty Winery.
We cycled parts of the Rail Trail, the new Lake Dunstan cycleway and the track from Arrowtown to Queenstown.
We turned and headed toward home, stopping for a few days at Hanmer Springs.
Ann & Graeme drove 12km into the Alps and rode the St James Cycleway into Scotties Hut on the Edwards River. This was a ride of about 34km with four river crossings.
(The trail winds up the valley below)
It was then back to the ferry and home
We are about to head away to the UK and back to the Manor at Pradoe for four months and then to Europe for two months before returning to NZ in mid-October.
We are looking forward to having 3 Summers in a row.
Smith's Journeys 