The Road Trip
The journey began at 5.30am in the morning, dark and cold. Bags packed and ready to go on this adventure from Greytown to Christchurch accompanying my daughter and two cats in two crates, very vocal, letting us know that this was all very peculiar!
Traversing the great divide, the Rimutaka Hill, before reaching the top, the first sensory assault of three, between Greytown and Picton! Baby wipes, scented rubbish bags and other paraphernalia required to transport the family pets was all ready for any event. My daughter, prepared for all possible eventualities, had everything needed for pet travel on this journey.
It must have felt strange for them, they were clearly nervous and not sure what this journey was all about. It was certainly a lot further than the local vet! Giving them much reassurance, we waited patiently on the dock to board.
With the ‘pets on board’ label hanging from the rear vision mirror, we were waved into the appropriate lane and guided onto the ship to park amongst the massive trucks and semi-trailers, where we were to lock and leave the car and its feline occupants to sleep for the journey, hopefully!
A gentle rolling as we left a sleepy Wellington City dawn and entered the heads, crossing between the two islands towards the Marlborough Sounds. A very calm, restful and thankfully uneventful, crossing on a cool, grey day. The contrast of the dark hills sandwiched between pale grey skies and water, added to the serenity of the journey. After what appeared to take no time at all, we were directed to return to our cars, in preparedness for our departure from the boat onto land for the second part of our journey.
After another cleanup of the cats and their crates at Picton and food purchased for a travelling lunch, we headed south. From that time on, we hardly heard a peep out of them. No doubt, both feeling a lot more comfortable, they could now see outside as it was daylight and enjoy the passing scenery and now blue sky, followed by a needed nap.
What a wonderful trip we had along that fabulous azure coastline heading towards Kaikoura. A wonderful reminder of just how breathtaking it is and how the coastal drive is much longer than remembered, with lots to see, including so many seals basking in the sunshine on the rocks. A great playlist, great company and beautiful weather meant a wonderful road trip all round.
After four hours or so, driving through the streets of the vibrant city of Christchurch with all its newly constructed commercial buildings, stadium and townhouses after the earthquake of 2011 which devastated the City. As we rounded the corner to the apartment there was a bouncing, smiling, leaping, very excited granddaughter to welcome us in the driveway and one very attentive son in law to help unload. Both so excited to see respective wife and mother. Very heart warming.
It is a tricky time for them, this separation before the move to live in Christchurch. Half the family living in Christchurch and half in Greytown. Work and school for these two and my daughter getting the house on the market and everything ready for the move next month. That will be another road trip for them, two cars, two dogs, one son and then they will all be together.
What a blessing it was to be company, hopefully support and enjoy such a fun trip down the country. A wonderful week catching up with all three granddaughters. Watching them play netball, football and attend Chapel at school on Sunday night. To be shown the places they have looked at in their search for a home to buy. Birthday dinner, café meet ups with the older girls, currently at university there. Running into friends from home, staying with cousins. So grateful for being a tiny part of this transition for the family and so thankful for the memories.
I am reminded of the resilience required to make big moves and changes in our lives. How much we need each other for support, love, encouragement and practical assistance and how exciting change can also be in amongst the planning, exhaustion and no doubt expense. Futures can be defined by big decisions or small ones.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
