Lazy, Summer Days

After waiting so long for summer weather, it has finally arrived. Just in time for autumn! The last few weeks have been dry and warm. Last week, Christchurch even had its hottest day of the year - 32°C. Typically though, it was a school day but we are hoping that the fine weather continues. It would be great to have an ‘Indian Summer’ so that we can continue to enjoy the sun and warmth.

An almost empty New Brighton Beach

So how does one spend warm sunny days in Christchurch? Well, one could stroll around the botanic gardens, enjoy wedges and fine ales on the Dux de Lux courtyard, walk around the Port Hills or laze on one of the beaches. We like all these options but currently prefer the latter. So for the last couple of Sundays we have been to New Brighton beach, as it is the closest one to us. The first weekend we slightly overcooked ourselves but what do you expect when we had been sun starved? We went again on another lovely, sunny Sunday, even though there was a strong easterly wind blowing off of the sea. That’s not good in Christchurch as the easterly wind is a cool one and can make sunny days feel chilly. Anyway, the main reason we went was because I wanted to go surfing.I was warm and snug in my wetsuit, whilst in the water, but poor Chantal, on towel minding duties, was exposed to the wind. Ever the chivarous gentlemen, I offered Chantal my tee shirt whilst I played in the surf. When I say surf, I mean in the shallows where the waves have broken, as I am still learning. I can't believe Chantal did not take any photos of me standing. Anyway, I had a great time (probably my best session ever) but Chantal looked rather sand blasted when I returned.

Just a few hardy souls and surfers brave an easterly on the beach!

We also did a spot of strawberry picking, one Sunday morning. We managed to pick 6 kg, in no time at all, so it looks as if we will having strawberries as dessert for the foreseeable future.

P.Y.O should be E.W.P.Y.O (Eat whilst picking your own)

Chantal plans to make strawberry jam at some point but considering she does not eat it and I normally stick to Marmite, we will probably end up giving jars of the stuff away.

Well, that is some of the things we have been doing to enjoy the sun, but next week I will be on school camp so now doubt the weather will change!