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Published: December 18th 2006
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Slept really well, but awoke too early at 5:30am. We are booked on a kayaking trip at Milford which is a two hire drive down the road. After a quick breakfast, shower and making sarnies (trying hard not to wake the rest of the house) we set off about 6:30am. The cloud was initially high, and the view of the snow capped mountains was captivating. The drive to Milford is on a twisting road which has some amazing views of rivers, lakes and gorges. On the way we passed through "Knobs Flat" which has to be a set up! Made the journey passing though the Homer Tunnel where there is a late night naked tunnel race. Luckily dodged the Kea Parrots without losing too much rubber car trim. Made it down to Milford City (sense of humour the Kiwis - it's a cafe and two sheds!) in time for a cuppa before the rest of the group turned up.
A total of twelve turned up so we split into two groups, with Stef being our leader for the day. Got on our thermals, vest, skirt, fleece and waterproofs - ready to stay warm and dry for the rest of the
day. After a short introduction and safety chat we got into the Kayaks and made our way out onto the water. We initially paddled out to see the Bowen Falls before heading out to the left hand side of the Sound, getting used to tandem paddling and steering. We then crossed the Sound heading for Sandfly Beach for lunch. After a cup of tea and a sarnie we headed back onto the water as we were getting bitten to death by the sand flies. We paddled back towards the quay, but despite a few promises we did not get to use the sail for the return leg, as the wind was not in the correct direction. Had to cross back to the otherside of the sound when the weather deteriorated a bit and the wind got up. Was a bit of a battle but we made it back to the launch site safe and sound. It was a great experience - just a shame we did not get further out into the sound, but it was nice to be so close to the water and under our own steam. Did not see much wildlife, aparently there it a leapard seal
You gotta watch them parrots..
This one is actually on our bonnet! which is about at the moment, which is eating lots of seals and penguins, so glad we did not meet it after the camera incident the other day.
Got changed back into dry clothes and wrote some cards at the local cafe, before heading back with the camper van convoy to Te Anau. Stopped a few times on the way to take photos and both decided it was to be steak, pie, chips and gravy for dinner, but it was not to be! After scouring the lengths of the town we ended up plumping for burger and chips from a local van, unfotunately they were pretty rank. Ended the day back at the pad, warming up, writing the journal and catching up - bliss!
Woke up naturally this morning - no alarm clock for once - great! Really slept well in the house, in a proper bed for a change. Packed everything up and set off for the next destination, adrenalin heaven in Queenstown. Were really sad to leave the comfort and warmth of the house behind and to have to be in the tent again. Alison (whose housestay we were in) left us a note saying that
there was some news this morning about the current political situation in Fiji; NZ goverment have advised travellers against all none essential travel to Fiji with the threat of Military action. Got in touch with the travel agent who seems to indicate we can bypass it if the issues become too much for us. The news on the radio seems to indicate that only Suva is a problem - so it's a bit unclear as to what we should do. Both a little worried as we'll be in Pacific Islands over Xmas and New Year - so if we need to change travel plans then it could be a little difficult to get a place to stay. Need to see what happens over the next few days and then decide what to do. Be a real shame if we do not get to be in Fiji.
Journey to Queenstown was pretty easy (only 2hrs) with beautiful mountain views, snow capped peaks and lakes. Headed straight to the site of the first commercial bungy jump at the Kawarau Bridge. Had a look around the centre and watched a few people jump, but neither of us are too bothered about doing
Anyone seen my crunchie?
Becky had scoffed hers by now! one, and at $150 ago it was just a bit more than the budget could cope with today. Drove into town and found a campsite to stay at for a couple of nights. Then drove into the town centre to take a look - was just like every other ski resort we have come across - has the same look and feel - do they bottle it somehow? Lots of people here and lots of ways to spend your hard earned dosh very quickly. Went to the Internet Laundry (which we think could be a good idea for Doug!) before going shopping to get some supplies - got hats and gloves on to cook a BBQ for dinner along with a group of Aussies from Melbourne, the only two nations mad enough to BBQ in the cold. Piled into the TV room with a bottle of Pinot Gris, the local speciality and a new grape variety for us. Wine was drunk from the camping mugs - classy! Watched some Telly and kept warm by the fire, putting off the dash to the tent as long as possible.
Slept ok in the tent as the camp site is fairly quiet
and there are lots of oldies in campervans (could be a recipe for future camp site selection). After a leisurely we wandered up to do a walking tour of the town as given in the Lonely Planet guide. Queenstown is not that historic so we saw all the sights but it did not take too long. Got back to the camp site before the bus arrived to take us on our chosen adrenalin sport - River Surfing! Went down to a site on the Shotover River; four of us in total with two guides and a feisty Brazilian girl who drove the van. When one of the guides mentioned it might be easier to drive a little to left, she asked the guide 'Do you want to drive?!?'. scary!. We kitted up with thick winter wetsuits, booties, fins and bodyboards. Paul had the foresight to bring along a rash vest, but forgot to mention it to Beck - oops that did not go down well! We then had a short section of instruction before making our way into the class II and III rapids. There were four sections of rapids on the river, and from Pauls point of view it
was pretty intense, the pace of the river did not let up with eddies, whirlpools and washback. It felt like you were in a hardcore washing maching. One of the few sports he has done where he felt truly uncomfortable. We all managed to make it down ok and the van met us to transfer us back to the top to do it all again. Beck decided once was enough and sat it out. The second time was not too bad, as you knew what to expect and were a little more prepared. All in all a definite good introduction to Queenstowns thrill seeking side and an adrenalin charged afternoon. Ended the session with a beer and a sausage at a local bar, before returning to the camp site and having a well deserved Pad Thai. Finally went back to town to catch up with some internet stuff; having trouble keeping up with the travel blog. Used to put it into the journal when we were waiting for food in asia, but as we are cooking here we do not seem to find the time to even do that. Headed back to the tent and are hoping its not going
to rain. Reports from Fiji are looking more worrying by the day - we may need to change our plans.
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