Well we’re stuck in Christchurch for a couple more days. The weather has been too nice in Mcmurdo which means the runway got a little slushy and needs to be re-rolled. While we’re waiting to hear back about a potential fly date, the gang is taking full advantage of our situation. Yesterday we travelled to Banks Peninsula for the day. The area formed when two volcanoes erupted millions of years ago, forming an island. Then gradually rock and sediment from moved toward the island and connected it to the plains which formed the peninsula. We took a gondola ride up to the top of a peak for lunch and a beautiful view overlooking the crater lakes. We got a hysterical 3D history lesson in the form of an It’s a Small World sort of museum ride.

From the museum at the top, we hiked along the summit trail in some strong winds, which Jim says are similar to winds we’ll be seeing some days in Davis Ward but obviously it’ll be much colder. It was breathtaking hiking along the ridges seeing all the different views of Christchurch and the surrounding little towns while chatting with the group. As Lyttelton harbor came into view, the conversation quickly turned to Shackleton, an Antarctic explorer. He left from this very port on his way to Antarctica. We’re all antsy to get there ourselves and hear Shackleton’s and other explorers’ journeys that our mountaineer, Johnny, will read to us nightly.

Today we’re setting out on another adventure- we’re renting a van and driving up to Hanmer hot springs for some swimming and exploring. I expect another full, fun day is ahead of us!