Sunshine bay on Christmas Day

Did my quota of walking today. Headed for the Sunshine Bay track, which I have been wanting to complete for some time. It's 10 mins to the "waterfall" (not much of one!) and then another 20 mins to the bay itself. The first part of the walk is the worst for me...uphill. After that it is very enjoyable.
After getting back to town and eating salmon maki (with nice avocado added), I walked towards the Frankton road track, but did not get on it. Planned to do email at Budget comms. but they are closed today, so went in search of dessert. Sure had a whopping one of waffles and chai latte at Patagonia chocolates, a new chocolate place on the lake front...prime site!
Most ethnic restaurants are open today so they are really doing a roaring business. There are enough activities that are working today so things look lively here. That's nice
Went to 10.30pm carol service last night at at Peter's Anglican Church. Place was packed to the gills. Did not stay for communion service, but watched the Christchurch Cathedral service on TV. That was grand. Hope to be there in person one of these Christmases.
My final day at the Rakaia Gorge was as wet as usual, and after checking email in Methven, took a wet drive to Ashburton. I visited the small museum, which also had an art gallery upstairs. Had lunch, bought Thai food for dinner and hurried "home". That night it snowed on Mt Hutt. Lovely sight, but it was time to leave!
The wind followed me on all the roads to Christchurch...even at the airport! I tried to take the Highway 1, but was frightened off by the big trucks and fast cars, so back I went on the country roads, and after a hot choc in familiar old Darfield, Christchurch was an easy 30mins away.
I spent a fun 2 days in Christchurch with cousin Ambrose and Doreen whom I hadn't seen for about 8 years...time does fly! They are now doting grandparents of 2 lovely children: Cedrick (3yrs) and Warni (2years). The children were away at that time. Ambrose cooked a yummy daikon soup (his mum's recipe) and a very fresh fish with sambal sauce. We talked a lot about Ambrose's time spent working in the Malaysian jungles.