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QUEENSTOWN
Part One |
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| On January 14th we picked up a Thrifty Mazda Familia 323 rental in Dunedin and it was onto Queenstown at one stage driving on the "Presidential Highway", 44 Km, from Clinton to Gore.
Once past Lumsden we could see the snow capped mountains. Stopped to get a photo of the Kingston Flier in action.
And the final stretch along Lake Whakatipu was spectacular. We checked into the Blue Peaks Lodge - room 209, with a view of the lake and Remarkables.
Coffee and cribbage, supper and a nap. Meanwhile Gail walked into town to check it out. After watching the 10:30PM sunset we watched "Pearl Harbor". |
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| The next day was beautiful and sunny. We walked through town along the shore. We then did the One Mile Creek track which follows the pipeline that ran from reservoir to the power station. Going part of the way with us was
Mishiko, from Tokyo. ;Gail and I made it to a picnic area where we had lunch. It was now mid-afternoon as we returned to town and there were kids actually in the lake. An hour or so checking out shops in town. While sitting listening to a girl play bagpipes and watch her horse stand on a box, Gail found a $10 note.
on the sidewalk. Back to rooms for coffee and cribbage before crashing for a couple hours. |
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| On the 16th we took a ride on the SS Earnslaw, after watching several tons of coal being loaded. Pleasant, smooth ride on the fore deck to Walter Peak farm. We struck up a conversation with a Korean couple who had lived in Dallas (go Cowboys) for 15 years. Had lunch on beach, then hit one of the many
Internet cafes. Coffee and cribbage and then the usual 2 hour nap. Had a meal at Sombrero's, then checked out shops, including Gallery of Fine Art.
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| We walked into town on 17th and took the gondola to the top and the Skyline complex.
I left our tickets in it so Gail jumped the cord and grabbed them before the doors closed. From there we did the Ben Lomond trail only getting as far as the saddle. Saw a few different birds - one in the trees of the lower level and then some sort of finch and a rifleman (yes it is a bird).
It was two hours going up and about an hour to get back down. She's a hard slog, mate; but well worth it for the views.
Back to base for much needed coffee and some cribbage. After supper we went for a walk through the Queenstown Gardens. Very beautiful - big trees and lovely flowers. We saw (and heard) a wood pigeon in the more remote area.
Walked into town along the lake coast track. |
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