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Published: March 16th 2009
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Friday, March 6th
It rained most of the night. gentle but steady. Up fairly early I had contacted another Trip Advisor, Wanaka Lakes, and at her invitation have modified my plans to stay in the Wanaka area for the day. First I had a NZ breakfast of fried eggs, toast and bacon. (I know I said I wasn’t going to talk about what I ate but I just can’t help myself when I tell my friend Avner that the bacon was two slabs about the size and shape of my hand!). Makarora is at the head of Lake Wanaka so I traveled south down the east side, over a little rise then along Lake Hawea to Wanaka. Even saw a rainbow at one point. Wanaka is the home of Puzzle World and if you are thinking of taking a pass because you think it is strictly for kids, don’t. The picture I have included of the Roman Bath is only one of numerous funny and interesting venues.
Went to meet Jo at her B&B, Falling Leaves (unpaid endorsement) If you are in this area and want a real treat stay here. Absolutely first class. After discussing things to do (she
Puzzle World
Mural of Roman Toilet gave me my now required afternoon shot of espresso) I was off on a 12.5klm bike ride along the river and lake front. I neglected to mention that upon arriving in Wanaka I found Jim & Libby’s combination bike shop and upscale gift gallery. Again the gods were smiling as Jim had just the part needed to repair the bike, threw in a little tune up and I departed paying him $35 for the $30 he asked. Not only are these Kiwi’s generous, I have never once felt ripped off because I was a tourist. I returen to Falling Leaves during a light rainshower. Jo has paying guests tonight so I am parking several 100 yards away from the house on a well-manicured field. She has offered dinner and forgoing the PB&J I had noted on my menu I accept. Gooey Chicken Wings, scalloped potatoes, string beans, topped off with Apple crisp and ice cream. Not to mention a good red wine from a local vineyard that provides it unlabeled to B&B’s and restaurants. I watched the Fiordlands video with her guests. Half an hour of footage and music that is beyond description. I almost forgot to mention, excuse me
Bike Rider
My first trail ride along the river and lake at Wanaka Badge, that Jo has a dobby that is actually a show dog. Or more correctly, has done commercials. What a character! He serves as the director of customer relations.
Saturday March 7th
“There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this as already happened”.
Douglas Adams from “The Restaurant at the End of the Universe”
And so I wake up fairly early and soon am greeted on the lawn by Sir Badge. I pack up the van and go in to say my goodbye to Jo. This was not about to happen. I got the nanny look (you all know the one) and so stayed to eat breakfast with the paying guests. Finally saying goodbye around 10 AM I head into town to fuel up and then on down the road. Just south of town I spot the Wanaka Transport and Toy Museum. (Those non-museum type readers can skip ahead). I’m not much on toys, but this place has the most incredible
Falling Leaves
Sunrise at Jo's place collection of vehicles. I use that term because even though most are cars, He has WW II vintage military vehicles, one made in England with a Chevrolet badge on the front. We are talking motorcycles of all types and ages, an old Model T delivery truck and on and on. Not just old Austin’s, Hillmans, Holden’s, Jaguars, Land Rovers, Morris vehicles of various vintage, but also old and new U.S. built cars like two nearly new Mustang GT road racers. To top it off, out in the yard was a Soviet Mig 21 acquired in a round about way through Poland. Down the road to Cromwell then turning west toward Arrowtown. Before getting there I stop for some wine and cheese (bought an award winning bottle Rev which I hope makes it home). A must stop, the Kawarau River Gorge to watch, WATCH, the bungee jumpers. Arrowtown is a very old mining town that obviously is experiencing some celebrity as I saw a number of new upscale homes and a golf course. The town is interesting to see and to add to the little surprises I seem to stumble upon there is a BMX bike competition being held in a
Jo
Formerly the world highest paid Nanny. no B.S. park by the river. Quite the opposite of the road riders I have seen, these are mostly young kids riding specialized bikes over a set of concrete obstacles.
Now down the back road and into Queenstown. I still have a few hours this afternoon so I decide that rather than jamb in a walk or ride I will just stroll the lake front and scope out the shops. That done I check into the holiday park and make a dinner if goat cheese, venison salami and beer. Superb. Later I walk into town for a ice cream and then back to bed.
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