Amazing Akaroa

The day dawned drearily.  Not sure that 'drearily' is a word, but it was definitely a moist, (great word,  not universally popular), grey, low cloud, grouchy kind of day. So, given one of our mottos is "Well, we've got raincoats!" we loaded up the bikes,  some morning tea and made for Akaroa. The further from the Christchurch CBD we got, the lighter and brighter the day became until we found ourselves in a completely different day! Woop! We planned to do a ride along the way, which turned out to part of a rail trail.  We made it about 5kms and needed a rest under a plum tree on the side of the track.  (Thank you, ancient railway passengers for your thoughtful spitting of your plum stones track side.) DH opted to head back for the car to rescue PB and I.  It was a worthy adventure,  but one we will need to try again when PB is a bit bigger and we bring more suitable bikes than the gnarly ol ' BMXs.  Carried on to beautiful Akaroa. Wow! Stunning view heading down into the bay, and such a cute little french village. We had lunch in a cafe overlooking the water, listening to a pianist play a community piano.  Just stunning.  DH had a kayak while PB and I went and bought fudge. (Licorice and Russian,  yum!) Raced back to drizzly, grey Christchurch again. Headed for a marvellous dinner with the loveliest family.  The sun finally came out and we could sit outside.  PB was invited to have a bubble bath,  very excited!  We were even treated to a serenade by some bagpipers nearby, just to top off a marvellous day.