Sunday 5 March

Kia Ora on this gloriously sunny cool Kiwi Monday morning

Great day yesterday, with an hour + drive out to the Rob Roy track leading high up to a glacier.  Along the drive (mostly dirt road, with sheep and cattle sharing the lanes) we crossed about 10 streams that cut the road, making for holding one’s breath as we traversed each water path.  We have had lots of rain at night, reloading all the waterfalls and keeping things fresh as the sun comes up.  

The hike upwards was demanding, , a long, steady uphill.  As it was Sunday there were quite a few other hikers, experienced adults (judging from gear) and several groups of later teens and young adults who, of course, went bounding by; quite a few Brits, and then a mix of Kiwis,  Americans, Germans and an “all other” category (which means we have no clue).

After two hours we were at the point where the glacier looms above, with even an avalanche off to one side for special effects.  The sun provides blue to all the white, and it is gorgeous!  We lunched on lamb sandwiches, apples, and trail bars, along with frequent watering.  Walking down was an easier descent than Lake Diamond, and we made it in just over an hour.  

We showered at our camper van site then went into Wanaka for dinner, a nice break from campsite cooking.  Pizza and pasta by a roaring fire, a wonderfully full and aromatic red wine and a shared fudge sundae at The Cow Pizza at Spaghetti House, we think the nickname of Queen Victoria as her photo in on their menus as is a menu choice called Her Majesty’s Pleasure. 


PS  One of the capions is under incorrect photo. Avalanche is going on in next photo. I think. Chelsea or Casey, fix, s.v.p.?

What we woke up to, early Sunday morning

Domesticated deer herds on our way to the tramp of the day: Rob Roy

Ummmmmm..... 28 kilometer dirt road...10 streams to ford, animals to negotiate around. We let this guy decide when he was ready to move!

Stream #5, or 6 or 7

Kea... parrot sort of bird. Beautiful wing span, red under their wings

The climb   730 metres high, but we only climber 300 meters... a long, winding, steady uphill

Swing bridge

No more than five people a t a time can cross

Yee-haw!

My foot is on the path; the water you see is a vertical drop off path. Rock on right is 'other side' of path.

The sign on each side of this part of path warns you to not stop as you walk it, as there is falling rock.

Mud slide is the path (It had rained heavily the previous night and snowed further up.)

Wonderful ferns

awwww... a heart shaped stone! Sat and had our lunch here.

Rob Roy (part of Mount Aspiring Mountains)                   Note avalanche, lower left hand-side. Thundered down.

Hilarious...wonder if there are ever two or more cars here at the same time!

At the Cow Pizza and Spaghetti House  Pepperoni pizza for Denny, mushroom/cream sauce spaghetti for me

Et voila!!

Kia Ora....