Happy 30th birthday Rose

We were up at 6.30 with Nathaniel and then Ella at 7. After the pair of them indulged in a lot of hectic chasing games which had the possibility of a tearful end, Mr C took Ella out to ride her bike. Nathaniel was distraught, crying "Ella, Ella" till I found his wellies and took him out to jump in the muddy puddles left from yesterday's heavy rain. Their mum packed up their stuff and they left while I was at my discussion group. (freedom of speech).

In the afternoon we walked 2 miles up by the river to Katy's house. She was having an afternoon tea party for her daughter Rose, home for a visit from her conservation job in New Zealand. She gave us lots of good advice about planning our proposed trip next spring - she suggests if we are flying to Christchurch to go by train to Greymouth and pick up a camper van there. We were interested to know her opinion on whether we should choose the Routeburn Track or Milford and she said her favourite was Routeburn. (We won't have time to do both). She also suggests 4 out of our 6 weeks should be spent on South Island. I'd be interested on any other opinions.

The blip is Rose and her mum Katy.