Rakaia River Valley Walk

Okay so first I have to acknowledge for Kylie that last night the Wallabies were too good for the All Blacks.  After 10 tests Shayne finally has to be on the recieving end of a bit of ribbing.  I feel for you mate.

So anyway, today I went for a decent walk up the Rakaia River Valley, about an hours drive from Christchurch up near Mount Hutt.  Having injured my Achilles months ago, this was really the first longish walk I have done since coming to Christchurch.

and it felt good!  All up it took 3 1/2 hours return from the carpark near the Rakaia Bridge to the Lookout.  the track was narrow in places but really quite okay.  My legs felt it though as the track goes from the water to the ridge and back a few times.  And in the too much information category, I did walk down to the water, stripped off and jumped - actually more like tentatively walked - into the water for a swim.  And it was cold, glacial water is not at a temp you want to hang around in and I didn't.