Christchurch wrap-up.

 

Tomorrow we say goodbye to Christchurch and make our way to Wellington.

 

Our final 3 days here have been a bit of a see-saw with fun and relaxing.

 

Robbie had his final 2 games of cricket.  Alas his team did not get into the finals played off for 5th 6th, but lots of lovely memories and memorable events.

Highlights from the cricket - he bowled the final over in one of these matches, one resulted in his team winning. He had 8 runs to play with and ended up with a wicket and 3 runs off it. A lot of pressure in the last over.  Also got run out with direct hit during the match. 

He bowled a couple of overs in the last match and took a wicket from 3 overs.

Lunch apparently was not a highlight, but I enjoyed the fruit that came home after each game.😉

Not great for the price we had to pay

Dinner each night at the Christchurch Casino, courtesy of some vouchers that were provided to all players and their accompanying spouses.  $100 NZ dollars ea

During these two days I stayed in the motel, did some reading, some stitching and took the odd nap or three 😴. 

Today we helped out those who were returning home.  We used the team bus to take them to the airport, then dropped it back at the rental company, and caught their shuttle to the International Antarctic Center. 

It was amazing.  We had so much fun.  

We went for a ride on a Hagglunds.  This vehicle has a tread instead of wheels and it follows a route that is supposed to simulate different conditions that may be faced when traveling over the Antarctic terrain.  Until now I have never been on a rollercoaster, but I think this was close.  I think I still have the marks on my hand where I was hanging onto the overhead strap.  

through the muck

Next we wandered through some of the exhibits before heading to the Storm Experience.  We put covers on our shoes and grabbed some coats and headed into the ice cave.  Every 15 minutes in this room you can experience an Antarctic storm. The temperature in the room is normally at about -8C and during the storm it drops rapidly to -18C.  If you want to get out of the wind and blowing snow there is an igloo you can hide in - however there is only room for 1 person, so be sure to be the first to pike out or you will need to outlast the elements.  Rob and I both wore half length pants so our bare legs copped the brunt of the weather.  

Igloo

Next a quick trip to see some penguins - after all we could not miss them.

Next we ventured to see the 4D film.  It was an experience.  We were a little worried about Robbie and him getting sea sick, but he managed okay.  There were many little experiences during the film, from moving chairs, blowing winds, sea spray in your face, and even snow falling.  So cool.

sled with food packets at the end

Next was a visit to see the huskies.  A favourite.  They had 2 on duty today, and they were just chilling, getting their fur brushed, receiving pats, and complaining when they were not receiving enough attention.  I was interested to learn that as part of an environmental protection treaty from 1991 the introduction of all non-native species to Antarctica, with an exception made for humans, are banned.  Dogs were the last of the animals to be removed from bases and this occurred in April 1994.  So the dogs were saw today, who are only 4 years old have never actually worked at any bases.

There are a number of other short videos throughout the complex, and all are informative and interesting.  It is certainly worth the effort to go.

This fella wanted to get up to get pats from the public 

That done, and no longer having any access to private transport, we decided to catch the local bus back to the city.  We only had a short wait before our bus arrived just outside the center.  All fares are by card, you tap as you get on.  It is also interesting that regardless of where you are going the cost is the same, so you only tap on, not off.  Oh how much did the bus trip cost us - the massive fee of $0.10 each.  Yes that is correct. 10 cents to go wherever we wanted to.

We saw a beercycle during a walk about town

 

Back to the motel for a nap before heading out to the Casino for dinner.

 

We walked up to the casino and used the last of our vouchers for dinner tonight.

Robbie decided to have a go at the roulette wheel.  He had a small pile of chips, and if he won, I took the winnings 😉. He was only allowed to spend his pile not mine.  Not sure how, but we did end up ahead by $10 for the night.  Silly night but we had fun.  

Walked back to the motel, and now we are getting organized for our departure tomorrow.

 

All for now

Take care and stay safe

 

Rob and Liz