I don’t know about you, but I’ve been dreaming of the day I could get together with a few friends for a post-lockdown adventure. I’ve even made lists of all the activities I was looking forward to once New Zealand moved to Alert Level Two…
Deciding where to go for our first proper outing in seven weeks was no small task. I’m always saying that I want to do more hiking (a word I use rather loosely, to be honest) instead of heading out to the nearest cafe, restaurant or friend’s house whenever I’m in the mood to socialise.
There are so many gorgeous walking trails scattered throughout the Canterbury region. We considered all of our favourites from Bowenvale Valley to Godley Head and even future afield to North Canterbury or Washpen Falls. I wanted to do a scenic yet relatively easy walk, so carrying a picnic basket wouldn’t pose too much of a challenge. If you know me, you know I love packing all the snacks.
With the weather getting cooler, we wore our favourite knits and coats and ventured out to Mount Vernon for a weekend picnic. I packed a few bottles of Zeffer’s Apple Crumble Infused Cider, a baguette, some local meats and cheeses, olives, pickles and cookies to keep us fuelled and hydrated after our walk.
We found the perfect clearing, just above the main track to set up camp with a blanket. Everyone who passed by commented on our lovely set-up and a few even asked if they could join in. With the sun shining, we could’ve easily sat there for hours, looking out over the city.
Cider was my go-to drink when I first moved to New Zealand in 2009 and the industry has come a long way since then. Drinking it now, eleven years later, makes me nostalgic for my university days. Not all ciders are created equally and Zeffer’s Apple Crumble Cider tastes just like dessert! It is a must-try during the cooler months or whenever you’re craving a treat. I had it a few times during lockdown whenever I couldn’t decide between having a drink or dessert after dinner.
It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon, a perfectly casual catch up with friends. After seven weeks, we had a lot to talk about. Is there anything better than a bit of activity followed by some delicious food and drink?
This post is sponsored by Zeffer, but all opinions are my own.
prairie girl musings 