After a lovely tasty breakfast we were collected by taxi and underwent briefing at the hq of wildernest. Thirteen vans were being collected today, think we were the second. All very slick and professional. It is a bit like Therapy, our boat , remembering to switch the fridge to the right power source was always my job so I should be able to remember. Think poo dumping is going to be Andrews job but I should be able to do grey water and refilling.
The Van is great, I’ve now unpacked and stowed away our bags for three weeks and there is plenty of room but just like the boat going to have to keep organised and tidy!?
We immediately missed the supermarket but carried on our way, a bit reckless as Easter weekend means most shops close for a good number of days. The sun was out and Akaroa was to be our first stop. SSW of Christchurch with a rich French heritage the ancient volcanic geology makes for some spectacular scenery. We took a scenic “rim” route which got Andrew used to the Van , hairpin bends and some serious ups and downs.
We had booked a camp site but it is very busy and we wouldn’t want to stay here more than a night. A steep walk down to the village and we got enough provisions for a couple of days and we are now settling down to firm up our route south tomorrow. Again like the boat we don’t plan on doing too many miles each day breaking the driving up with side walks or early arrivals so we can enjoy the area.
I do plan to drive, but maybe I’ll wait till the Easter traffic disappears, although it is very quiet by our terms.
The children go back to school for a couple of weeks on Tuesday as Easter is so early so hope things become completely laidback.