Summer events

One thing you can say about Wellington is that it's rarely boring. The capital is quite a busy place in summer, and we've been taking advantage of the many cultural events that seem to be prevalent this time of year. The Summer in the City programme runs from December to March and includes all kinds of activities, everything from free concerts in the Botanic Gardens to Dragonboat racing. The above photo was taken at a concert in the Botanic Garden last Thursday, 10 January. The band was the Vipers. It was a really nice evening, and we plan to hit a few more of the concerts in the series. We do feel lucky to live in a city that supports the Arts so fervently.

This coming weekend, we're going camping in the Orongorongo Valley, part of Rimutaka Forest Park. I am so looking forward to getting away for a bit. It's just an overnight trip, so nothing too complicated. There are a few nice walks near there and I am thinking we may even try to walk out to see Raukawa Lodge, one of DOC's "backcountry huts". Generally speaking, huts are a much more common method of staying in the wilderness than camping in a tent. They're an integral part of the backcountry experience here, and I am ashamed to say I've not stayed in one yet. Am curious to finally see one. Also curious to see what Stacey thinks of it, and whether I might be able to get her to stay in a hut one of these days! It will probably depend on which hut it is...as there are many different classifications of huts. Some are pretty flash (like Powell Hut) while others are, shall we say...pretty basic!

I'll post some pics next week of the camping...cross your fingers everyone that the weather stays at least somewhat warm! (It never gets truly HOT here in Welly!)