Farewell & Hello — Moonbeams in Thyme

On New Years Eve we ventured out of ChCh towards Arthur's Pass. Along the way we stopped off to see Castle Hill. Castle Hill is a phantasmagoric Narnia rockscape - to us it felt like Stonehenge. This area is a ridge of limestone boulders rising directly into the Eastern foothills of the Southern Alps. It's a maze of limestone outcroppings. As we walked through, it felt like one of those choose your own adventure books we read as kids. Pretty epic and breath taking as we took in the surrounding views. Makes sense that "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" was filmed here. I now need to download and watch that movie to confirm scenes.

Taking a moment to reflect on 2016 and setting intentions for 2017

After Castle Hill we headed towards Cave Stream. Scott Cook writes about this gem in NZ Frenzy. Cave Stream also known as Broken River Cave is 1,949 ft long. Upon arrival we got into our makeshift water attire (lack of wet suits, lack of proper footwear, only 1 damn headlamp) to wade through what we expected to be knee to waist-high water. Well, what a treat we were in for. We walked down the dirt path, weaving along side the river, around the wild daisies that grew before we came to the entrance of the Cave Stream. We took a moment to assess the situation. The entrance was beautiful and intriguing. Scott Cook writes that if the water is brown, don't enter, also if the water is higher than your waist, don't go. Well, all looked okay and there were lots of tourists venturing into the unknown. We mustered up the courage and headed into the cold darkness.

Entrance to the Cave Stream - Castle Hill Reserve

Immediately as I started to wade into the waters I felt the little fish swimming around my legs. The icy chill was apparent as we walked deeper into the opening, where the water rose chest high on me. Katy was having a moment, not sure if she could do it -- she wasn't the only one. We all looked around and non-verbally encouraged one another, that in fact we could do it - Mind you, the water was higher than our waist and it was at this point that I realized our second headlamp, my headlamp was dead ... stupid tourist or adrenaline seeking adventure junkies? You be the judge: Sorry Mom. With a whole lotta courage into the darkness we went. Along the journey we encountered what can only be described as breathtaking natural beauty. The caves were so amazing. The insides were smooth shapes that looked like large circular carvings, imagine the inside of a piece of pottery, very organic, and oddly enough resembled the shape of bones. Onward we ventured through the streams filled with fishes, and rapid waterfalls within. We made our way through slippery rocks, narrow passages, and waist deep water.

Still smiles despite the dead headlamp and chilly waters

Narrow passages in the Cave into the dark abyss

Landing at the exit at the top of the metal rungs

We finally made our way to the end of the Cave where we waded into a deep pool and began our descent on a series of metal rungs. Once at the top we had to grab hold of a bolted chain, get onto our hands and knees and crawl slowly over the wet rock to the exit of the cave. Phew, we made it. The fresh air that greated us was warm and felt so lovely. The past 20 minutes had been rather chilly and I was excited to see daylight. Spelunking success and the longest hour and a half of my life.

We made it home from Arthur's Pass just in time for dinner and relaxed. We were pretty beat from the day of activities so we didn't head out on the town like we imagined. A little wine and setting of intentions for another trip around the sun was done, as a ritual to wash away the year and prepare for what lies ahead. NYE here isn't like we have at home, so we didn't watch any glittery balls drop on TV, and besides a few nearby fireworks, all was pretty quiet to welcome 2017.

First run of 2017 - New Brighton Beach Christchurch, NZ

I woke early and grabbed my sneaks and hit the beach. I went for a nice 5k run in the sun and sand. It was 90 degrees out! Woohoo, what a great start to 2017. As our last full day in Chch we needed to start packing and preparing for our departing flights. Katy and Pete are heading back to the States, and I'll be heading for Oz. I spent an hour at the beach and walking the streets of New Brighton soaking in the last 24 hours here.

K/P joined after a bit of packing and we spent an hour in the afternoon just sticking our toes in the sand, and getting a bit sand blasted from the strong breeze down by the shore. We also taught Katy how to 'jump' - something she will work on when she returns home!

We'll miss our little beach house! Thanks for a week of memories, interpretive artwork, songs, dance, food, laughs, tears, random drop in's from the locals ... free wifi and house ghosts. Until next time NZ. You've given us amazing experiences to close out 2016 with!