Tuesday 17th February
Today we drove inland across the Canterbury Plains to the Mount Hutt range where Russell spent some of his time snowboarding. The line of low cloud didn't look real but was there all morning. We saw miles of the biggest clipped tree hedges anywhere.

On the way to Methven we stopped at Rakaia Gorge and the colour of the water is the most amazing turquiose cause by fine white rock particles that are suspended in the clear water. We explored the area and watched people fishing and boating.

We paid a short visit to Methven for lunch and a book swap in Cafe 131. This is the Main Street which is very quiet in summer as it is mainly a winter sports area.

We drove to Stavely to walk to the Sharplin Falls. It was a good 40 minute trek to the falls through sub-Alpine forest.

The path was very muddy in places and we were glad to be wearing proper hiking boots.

This late in summer the falls were quite subdued but still worth the effort.

We are staying overnight in Ashburton, a farming town.