Barbara's travels continue 2018

It was great to get on the road again and to once again visit the Clay Cliffs at Omarama. I was blown away by this mini Bryce Canyon a few years ago and was just as impressed this time. It is just an amazing place. Last time I was there the weather was perfect and lupins covered the river beds, their colours almost too distracting. Today, with overcast skies, heavy grey clouds and no colourful vegetation, the focus was entirely on those incredible limestone cliffs, their colours seeming more intense than before. Totally breathtaking. The cathedral-like central formations just leave the visitor in awe of nature's beauty. Everyone should visit this fabulous place at least once in their lifetime! What beautiful reflections of the poplars in the pond at Edgewater, Wanaka. What a magical sight, with lovely Lake Wanaka in the background.  K Wanaka is one of the loveliest places on Earth, I reckon. As the sun sets over the lake after a perfect day, a sense of peace and happiness overwhel

It has been ages since I did some writing. Retirement seems so busy, in the nicest possible way. Despite occasional short lockdowns, life has been normal for us in Christchurch, giving me plenty of time to enjoy time with family, friends, Mike my one-eyed cat, the house and garden, tennis and enjoying our beautiful city of Christchurch. It is truly a marvelous place to live with so many new venues, like the fantastic Riverside Market And old favourites such as New Regent Street,which is fast becoming a foodies dream with its many cute little cafes and wine bars. The Garden City never ceases to please, particularly in spring, when first the magnolias provide dramatic contrasts with the often clear blue skies, And daffodils form carpets of yellow and white along the lovely River Avon. Then comes the masterpiece, the avenues of delicate cherry blossoms making the approach to the city centre simply breathtaking. At the same time as the blossom, the bluebells also come into their own, remi