A view of Lyttelton and it's harbour
David and I did some hiking outside of Christchurch after unexpected vacation day #1 on Sunday. We headed for Port Hills and hiked up the Bridle Path to the top of what was once the rim of a volcano. Christchurch lay behind us, and Lyttelton lay ahead. And again, the view was breathtaking!
I really was delayed and am not just taking a vacation!
Quail Island juts out of Lyttelton Harbour
Quail Island has an interesting background. Anyone want to tell me what it is?? You can post to the Ask the Team section.
If you've been reading, you probably noticed a polar bear on my pack in a previous entry. Well, that little guy-or gal-was a gift from a student last spring after I found out I was going on vacation in New Zealand...I mean...ummm...going to work Antarctica. So be looking for the first polar bear on the Ice and in a variety of other places. (Anyone out there have a name suggestion??)
Just chillin' above Lyttelton
After enjoying the view up top-in all directions-we decided to hike down the other side and into the port town of Lyttelton. Lyttelton is the largest port on the south island, and David once left from the harbor on the Palmer which was headed for the Ice. Lyttelton Harbour itself is said to be the sea-filled crater of a volcano that erupted many, many years ago.
Ships loaded with supplies for Antarctica leave from here
The hike down was not one in which you could sight see at the same time. Watching one's footing was crucial to NOT having an accident of sorts. It was an interesting hike because at times it felt like we were in a jungle.
Hiking down the backside of the crater found us facing jungle like plants at times!
We even met some chatty sheep on the way down.
Sheep abound down here...and they're quite talkative!
Once in Lyttelton, I caught sight of the port up close, and it was massive and bustling with activity. Ships bound for the Ice are loaded up here and then depart. (Maybe I can hitch a ride if this flying thing doesn't pan out!)
Containers waiting to be loaded on ships bound for destinations known and unknown
All in all, we had an enjoyable day checking out the countryside outside of ChCh. I give the afternoon two thumbs up!