June 23

George here--It was another day of unexpected adventures (although we really don’t have any decent pictures today to show for it). We had a leisurely morning in Akaroa and ended up leaving there around 10.  We stopped again in Christchurch to switch rental cars (a Toyota Corolla for a Mitsubishi Triton/ pick up truck) and headed north.  Laura got to drive with severe wind gusts (40-50 mph) and a few drizzles, and made it to Hanmer Springs a little before 3.  It is a cute resort town best known for it hot spring and Thermal Spa.  The only problem was that once we arrived, there was no power in the entire town, including the Spa or the Holiday Park where we were staying.

Since we have a decent drive ahead of us tomorrow, we debated driving ahead, but we decided to stick it out and are ecstatic that we did.  The boys jumped on a trampoline in the rain and we were hanging on in the room until 4:30 when the power came back on. 

After doing a quick happy dance, we got our swim stuff together and headed to the spa. Despite 50 degree temperatures, stiff winds and a steady rain, we spent two hours in and out of 100 degree pools, sulfur baths, and several water slides.  We had a great time and finished in time to watch most of the All Blacks vs. Ireland rugby match (at this point, a 36-0 All Blacks lead)

Off to Wellington tomorrow with a 3 hour drive and a 3 hour ferry trip, so lots of excitement to come!