Akaroa 2013

Thanks for the push Kev, been meaning to blog this.

What a great weekend in Akaroa. The 2.8km swim was at 1:15pm so there was plenty of time for race bag pick up and for folk to travel from Chch for the day. A number of our 8 O'Clockers had the opportunity to catch up and stay with family and friends in Chch. It was nice to meet 8 O'Clock Whanau when they joined us at the event.

Much better accommodation this year for those of us that stayed in Akaroa. Early Sat morning we were treated to a lot of activity from not one but two cruise ships. Our apartment was near the wharf where the tenders were bringing folk in from the ships. Kate and I were greeted with a wharf full of men. After a few enquiries we discovered it was a chartered Gay Cruise of 1,900 men, sounded like from the U.S.A and the other ship 2,000 folk from a cross section of "Cruisers". Most of the visitors went to Chch for the day but those that remained made the little town of Akaroa buzz.

The air temp morning and evening was cool. The ocean was much warmer than last year and really pleasant to swim in with a full wet suit. No wind at all until about 10am and then we got the side ways chop. Once again we all did bionic times for a 2.8km ocean swim. Not sure if the distance is incorrect or what but a nice surprise for us tail enders not to have spent so much time in the water.

Elizabeth and Jude did us proud in their age group coming in 2nd and 3rd. Jenny and Janine both 4th in their age groups. A few spot prizes won if I recall. Lovely afternoon in the park with the sun shining.

Some of us that stayed enjoyed a really nice dinner at "Le Bistrot" with tables outside on the foot path, food and wine good, very cold, with blankets.

Journey back into Chch was eventful. The usual stop at Little River Cafe and then into the city for a look around. Girls nearly missed their flight back to Auckland I hear, while doing a bit of last minute shopping. Then found out the flight back was delayed.

I met up with hubby Kev and we took off on the motorbike for a road trip around the South Island. We are home now with a different story to tell.

A great weekend away, Akaroa was really picturesque, the swim was good, and we all had lots of fun. Not much else you can ask for really. An interesting addition to the event were the marchers with the "Jesus Loves Me" banners who even joined us in the park at Prize giving. It was a nice touch, must thank Scott for going the extra mile and including them as part of the festivities.! I would have preferred an extra coffee van but ...