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Published: March 23rd 2021
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Roaring Meg on the Shotover River
Note the swimmers on boards waiting to float down the rapids A most stunning day. Yet another fine, clear and calm.
We left our most comfortable home for the last week (Settlers Motel), had our last coffee at Provisions and set off for Cromwell. I was staggered to see how many more vineyards have been planted in the Gibbston and Dunstan valleys since we were last here. Then, there were patches here and there, now, there are kilometres of wall to wall vines. These are all planted on the north facing terraces. Above the terraces are barren hills of rocks and not much else - matagouri and sparse tussocks.
Our first stop was at Roaring Meg in the gorge to take a look at the gushing blue water and small power station. Also some swimmers in the water with boards to float down the rapids.
Out of the gorge we stopped to pick up some wonderful Otago fruit from Webbs Orchard - apricots, apples, peaches, pears, plums and nectarines. We got a couple of small boxes and what we cannot eat, we'll leave with Linds's sister.
We stopped in at Cromwell, picked up some lunch and headed to the historical area of Cromwell. I'm sure they have added
to what used to be there. The old village has many buildings reconstructed - baker, stables, stores, general store, Cobb and Co garage, hotels, bank, milk dairy, and likely other things I've forgotten. This is set against a brilliant blue Lake Dunstan so it's a very attractive place to visit. I called in at one little house to have a chat with a fellow fibre worker who knew people in my home group.
We stopped at a scenic place along Lake Dunstan, near Bendigo for our lunch and admired the changing autumn colours with the blue water background.
After Tarras we wound our way over the Lindis Pass at a VERY slow pace, following two sheep trucks crawling along at 10kmph. They made very hard work of the Pass but soon we were speeding down the other side to Omarama. We were then in familiar territory having visited this lovely area several times before. We stopped for a drink at Omarama then continued on the last 30 kms to Twizel. We passed several places that we remember cycling the Alps2Ocean and the Four Lakes trails. This time we will have more time to explore.
We found Foehn
Cottage at the back of Twizel set in 1 acre amongst the trees. The owners also have their house near to the cottage. It is a great setup with modern, spacious, quiet and comfortable facilities.
After settling in, getting some groceries and having dinner, we raced off to Lake Pukaki hoping to catch Mt Cook as the sun set over the lake. We only just made it but half an hour earlier would be better. We'll try again if we get another clear evening.
Lastly, it is hot and calm here today at 26 degrees. The forecast is looking good for the next few days so we may be in luck for places we want to visit
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