Editor’s Note
Caroline Bay Carnival
As our Oct/Nov issue was hitting the stands, I was pulling on the Lycra and jumping headfirst into the madness that is the Spring Challenge. For those not familiar with this event it is an all-female adventure race – and something I never thought I would do.
Opting to tackle the six-hour event, my team members and I rafted, biked, hiked, biked once more and finally hiked again, making our way around the northern edge of Christchurch. We travelled over 60 km in eight hours – it was exhausting, exhilarating and fabulous.
Both the event and the training leading up to it not only pushed my comfort levels, but got me out and about exploring my backyard in a way I have never done before – cycling roads I didn’t know existed, hiking tracks that had always been on my bucket list and rafting down a river I had only ever viewed from afar.
This concept of exploring your backyard is one that we have all become very familiar with this year, and is one of the positives that has come from 2020.
While the Spring Challenge wasn’t a leisurely exploration, it was the first of several outings we have undertaken in recent months. We have been to Southland, Nelson, Akaroa, Kaikōura, Hanmer Springs, Timaru… never too far from home but always somewhere where there are places and people to discover, memories to make and cups to be filled.
Because ultimately any break from routine or decision to do something new, for me, is about filling my cup. Reminding me what is important, realigning priorities and reconnecting with those around me.
While in Southland that was all about logging off from daily life to eat, shop and gossip with a very dear friend; Nelson was about making beautiful memories with my beautiful girls and husband; and the Spring Challenge about doing something just for me.
2020 has been an unusual year that we won’t forget for a while, but as we say farewell and welcome 2021, let’s take a moment to soak in the better moments, to see the positives rather than the negatives and give thanks to those people and places who fill our cups.
Have a safe and wonderful festive season and enjoy exploring our beautiful backyard.
With love,