3rd Day at The Barnes Farm

I am feeling so grateful to Ros and Todd for their warm, generous hospitality.  Todd guiding me about on hiking adventures during the day and Ros always keen to share in a glass of wine and good visits in the evening.  Although   Todd lived w us at Black Creek Ranch for a year and a half 25 years ago, before he met Ros, I feel like I had known her from years ago as well.  They are such a lovely couple, both active partners on the various farm enterprises and absolutely wonderful parents.

Today Todd and I headed out to tackle Avalanche Peak at Arthur’s Pass. I was a bit nervous but kept that entirely to myself as Todd used to be a trail runner and ran up these crazy mountains for hours at a time.  Cousin Barb and I came across trail runners on the Kerry Way in Ireland and saw first hand how grueling of a sport that is and I remember us saying “who does that?”  Well apparently I know someone now.  

Lucky for me just before we arrived at Arthur’s Pass, Todd realized there was a crazy tourist attraction I had to see and made a quick turn into Castle Hill, one of the set locations for the Lord of the Rings as well as The Chronicles of Narnia.  

This place is magical and brings out the child in you.  I had so much fun here and I think 🤔 Todd did as well. 














So funny I felt like WE were doing a photo shoot but it was such a cool place you just wanted to capture every angle of the rock formations.  

Thank goodness by the time we left there, the Avalanche Peak opportunity was gone so Todd said I’ve got an idea for another great hike.   Not as hard he admitted, but more interesting terrain, just outside of the town of Arthur’s Pass.

Here we are at the trailhead.



Lunch supreme enjoyed on the rocks.  Todd walked down to the creek to wash the carrots and apples.  The water here was so clean and clear we refilled our water bottles about half way up and the cool crisp glacier water was the best.





Todd pointed out a very rare little Rock Wren up the creek a bit so I was able to sneak up and take this video.  What a cute little dance it had.



I just loved this hike.  On return to the car Todd decided I need to see a Kea so off we went to the viewing lot for the viaduct which was a crazy view but also was home to a resident Kea.





We actually returned home at a reasonable time so Ros and I had time for a glass of wine and a walking tour of the back forty (Todd’s woodlot). After a beautiful dinner prepared by Ros that is.  I will share photos of the back forty on tomorrow’s post as today was such a full photo day.  


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