Sunday 3rd August

Time to go and plant at Orton Bradley.  Only 2 of us able to make it.  Mellonfarmer arrived at mine and we loaded up into the  Trees 4 C van and headed over to Lyttleton.  Dry this side of the hills (Just) and slightly wet on that side.  8.50 sailing over and then the climb up from the dock thinking we may have a cuppa at the cafe.  No they were closed.  We rode in some heavy drizzle around to the park.  Not too much traffic.  Got there at 9.30 and sat on the verandah of the cottage thinking "HMMM  not many people will come in this weather".  We were wrong as more and more people showed up.  The drizzle stopped pretty much at 10am and we headed overe to the planting site behind the golf course.  This meant riding across a paddock where it got very wet and my wheels were spinning furiously trying to maintain traction.  Just managed while Mellonfarmers town tyres did not.  Got across then down a slippery slope to the planting.  We  had 30 odd people show up so this was done in an hour.  We then roade down looking for the new family mtb track but did not see it.  Back towards Diamond Harbour in the fine weather.  Lots more ups this way but pumped hard.  A cuppa and the cafe and some food before heading down to the wharf.  Arrived just as  the ferry was coming in.  Loaded up and drove through the tunnel to a damp Christchurch day.