(Shane writes) – Yes… it is true, the curtain is dropping fast here in Sumner as the end of our House Sit crashes in what seems quite abruptly. Two months ago we thought wow what a long time to explore the area, the thought that it is a long time, but actually its come around so fast. We have been out doing things every day barring one where the weather was just not suitable for anything. We have always managed to find something interesting to do wether its hiking, biking, dining, Movies, theater plays, 4×4 drive or some other Cantebury attraction, really there is so much to do we would need another six months to cover it all.
Today the weather was just brilliant and of course Jude has had her eye on the Bridal Path walk so guess what we were going to be doing. There was as per normal no way out for me so I just bit the bullet and got my boots and gear ready. The climb is 340mtrs in 1.4 km, then 1.8km down the other side into Lyttelton for a coffee. Arriving at the Gondolas at the base of the climb I quietly glanced across and thought “Its 2018, why are we walking this damn thing when there is a damn gondola 100 mtrs away”… Jude’s excited and bouncing around like an ever ready battery again, talking about how exciting it is and how lucky we are to be able to do this stuff both physically and mentally… I dare not share my thoughts just thought. Well time to go and off we went… well it was a good steep climb and in all fairness the body handled it not to bad… the signage indicated the walk to the top would take approx 45min – 1 hour, felt good taking only 20 minutes. From the top its down hill all the way and actually steeper than I thought but after 35 minutes we were at the cafe in Lyttelton having my well earnt BLT and coffee.
Time to head back… (Jude writes) – before we head back, a history lesson on the Bridal Path. The track came into existence in the 1850’s, the use of horse and donkeys to climb up over the Port hills to CHCH. Because the path was so steep that the pack horses needed to be lead by bridal!! For 16 years the track was the only land access to Lyttleton, the rail tunnel opened in 1867. Whilst huffing our way up I couldn’t help but think of the effort required by those who have gone before us, especially the women dressed in long skirts, corsets and the like!! The views from both sides spectacular especially from the top. there were plenty of people on the track walking, jogging, but I take my hat off to the young lady that mountain biked up boy that was some king of effort! Methinks I would be using my power option going up there!! So an afternoon well spent out in the fresh air and sunshine!!!
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