McLean's Island Golf Course

What a beautiful day it was for golfing yesterday. Perfectly calm and clear.
McLean's Island Golf Course was one of my favourites so far- it's on the outskirts of town so it's really quiet and peaceful.

McLean's Island (for real)

We made it to the real McLean's Island mountain biking trails today. They were great! (Much better than the dirt biking trails!)

Og, Gog, and Magog

Magog

View from top of Magog

View from top of Og

Sounds like a fairytale. Og, Gog and Magog are three mountains that I went to with the tramping club yesterday. By the time we got to Magog I thought- we are going up that? But we did- and I am slowly starting to get used to the climbing. It's worth it once you get to the top!

Sumner & Lyttleton

View of Sumner Beach from house

Lyttleton Beach

On Saturday we went to Sumner and Lyttleton to visit some friends that live in Sumner. Sumner is an area within Christchurch about 20 minutes from the city center. Lyttleton is a small town- a suburb you could say- of Christchurch.
Their house in Sumner is on top of a hill with an excellent view! We checked out the beaches around there, and found some really nice spots we haven't been to before. Then we headed to the market in Lyttleton- which had excellent fresh produce and baking. We drove around the Lyttleton area and spotted some ideal calm water for kayaking. We'll have to come back later with a boat!

Templeton Golf Course

Yesterday we went to Templeton Golf Course. It's not as nice a Russley, and the Racecourse is right beside it, so that's all you can hear. (Car racing is a really popular spectator sport here- both live and on TV).

Botanical Gardens

Part of the orchid display

huge pitcher plant

Begonia room

Today we went to the Christchurch botanical gardens. We didn't see it all- we wanted to save some for when people visit. They have a beautiful orchid display, conservatory, and a huge room full of begonias. Outside, they have loads of trees, bushes and flowers from all over New Zealand as well as other parts of the world. They also have a rose garden and a herb garden.

McLean's Island (sort of)

Today we went mountain biking at McLean's Island Forest. We actually ended up going to the wrong spot. We went to the dirt biking trails when we should have kept driving to get to the mountain biking trails. Still, it was decent biking, with some nice views along the Waimakariri river. If you are wondering why Brad doesn't have a helmet- it's because it was stolen. I wouldn't say crime is more commonplace here than it is in Saskatoon. People leave their lights and helmets on their bikes, unlocked. Brad was just doing what the locals do- but his helmet was enticing- a little nicer and newer than most.

Russley Golf Course

Happy Easter! (Egg sleeves courtesy of Erica and Shane)

Chickens? On the golf course? Yes, indeed.

Yesterday we went golfing at Russley. It's a nice course, really close to our house. A little pricier than Hagley Park ($35 each for 9 holes)- but definitely nicer.
It was sweltering hot (27 C), and Brad me dress according to the "dress code". (I'm glad we only played 9 holes!)