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Published: November 15th 2006
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Pond grasses in winter
The soft breeze rustled through the tall grasses Although Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21 April, the Queen's Birthday is celebrated each year in New Zealand on the first Monday in June. She is honoured as the head of state of New Zealand’s constitutional monarchy, and as our liberator from a Monday of work.
Carloads of outdoor enthusiasts flocked to lustrous Wanaka to catch a glimmer of the paradise created by crystal clear lake waters lapping the feet of the surrounding alpine panorama. For those that didn’t want to lift their fingers to the crag or peddle their feet along the tracks, there was the opportunity to “virtually engage” in outdoor adventure at the Wanaka Mountain Film Festival. The treasured township simply provides a chill opportunity to muck around with mates or to savour a cuppa in solo. Hilary, one of Bryan’s co-workers and our new-found friend, organised a bach for a group of us to share for the weekend.
Bryan piloted and Mindy navigated the pace car at a steady 100 kph. Thirty minutes in tow a furtive Subaru was gaining speed, despite being filled to the brim with three Kiwis, one Scot and more than a boot load of gear and warm clothing necessary
Out for a stroll
Walking along the Diamond Lake track for the long weekend. The lead car stopped at Mickey D’s in desperation because the driver was ill with a cough - and subsequently - a sore throat. He was even sicker after a processed banana shake. It is official; the golden arches are evil world-wide. The trailing car also stopped in Ashburton so that the travellers could fuel up on some greasies.
Bryan and Mindy carried on without a hitch, but trouble arose for our number two car. Returning to the Subaru after a helping of fish and chips, Isla, our Lochness Lass, inserted the key to unlock the driver’s side door and sheared it. She just didn’t realize her own strength! Soon following, and seemingly driven by some unknown sensation, a keen, mechanically-minded rally driver amongst the anxious group of four thought that by inserting the sheared portion of key into the ignition things would sort themselves out. Well … fortunately for Pete there was a locksmith on-call in the town that Friday night who saved the day.
Further along, Bryan was bravely stating his name and birth date into a breathalyser, after a concerned police officer pulled the number one car over for a broken
Titanic
Goofin' around: Pete and Isla see the shore! tail light. Luckily, he remembered both who he is and when he came into this world, and the officer let the weary travellers set off into the wee hours of the night. A fellow countryman was already at the three-bedroom bach stoking the wood burner and trying to stay awake with a trusty novel. Tony, wine-making extraordinaire, had been tramping for the few days prior and was happy to be clean and warm. We exchanged niceties then settled into bed. Our fearless number two car arrived sometime in the night … and so the weekend began.
Each morning rolled around and we stumbled out of bed … one at a time. Hilary, Isla, Tony, and Bryan woke with varying degrees of coughs and sniffles and the OJ went fast. We sat nestled along the lengthy timber benches for a hearty breakfast of pancakes, fruit, and eggs on the barby, which our chef, Andy, tended diligently. The music was turned up a notch as the day got buzzing. We made it our routine to play the best rock of all times; a day was not complete until we sang “Eye of the Tiger”, “Kung Foo Fighting” and “Pour Some Sugar
Looking towards West Wanaka
View of The Island in the Matukituki River on Me”. And the morning brightened even more as the songs were acted out with boxing punches, karate kicks, and air guitars. We cracked ourselves up in such a way that children do when they tell you the same joke fifty times and still think it is funny.
During the daylight hours, we went about our own agendas (or lack there of). Some of us chose to meander along Lake Wanaka’s shoreline down to the town centre that was brimming with cafés, sport and artisan shops, and a swinging playground. Others went for walks or climbs. The fatally ill stayed beside the log burner, mending day by day. To sustain healthy living, Bryan, Mindy, Isla, and Pete practiced safe river crossing techniques by linking arms as we stepped over threatening trickles of water. The time passed quickly, and before too long, we were joining up for the evening splendours.
We had some of the best food in town brewing in our bach, and Patrick knew it. He was our special guest that kept coming back for more, and we were happy to adopt him. Who could blame him? We ate our meals together like one big happy family,
Dancing Bryan
Who can resist Eye of the Tiger? played card games, raced track cars, and read excerpts from “The Book”. Some would call 'Why Men Lie and Why Women Cry' “the truth on gender differences in the context of relationships” while others called it “an assault on the male ego”. “The Book” passed hands throughout the night causing open debate among the couple of the group, and entertainment for all.
All along the film festival provided a backdrop for a young, outdoor enthused culture.
Our actual participation in the film festival was short, but well worth the look. The highlight was a film by David Kopp called “Tough Love”, which depicted bouldering in Wellington in a fresh light. If the epic tale ever makes it to the big screen again, we will be the first to snatch up some tickets.
Inspired by the film and great rock all around, the seven of us wrapped up our trip with a field trip to a secluded rock face. The three Americans (ie, the ones who didn’t have a clue as to where we were going) drove off together to the dump and recycling centre before meeting up with the others to climb. We took a surprise detour down
Entrapped by "The Book"
Andy and Hilary study "Why Men Lie and Why Women Cry", a book of discussion over the weekend. a private road that came to a halt at a sheep station. We stood perplexed on a rickety wooden bridge that spanned a gorge before concluding that we must have taken a wrong turn. It is hard to stay lost on New Zealand roads, though, and with a little help from our friends we found our way to the cliff face. The finger numbing climbing was short lived before we had to take to the road for the long journey home.
We returned in a different formation than we arrived … and certainly without the hoopla of a locksmith and police officer. The windy roads now seen in the daylight were a magnificent sight. While sitting on bar stools over fish and chips, Tony, Bryan and Mindy reflected upon the events of the weekend. We thought that the Queen would be happy knowing that we threw her an unforgettable birthday bash.
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Danielle
non-member comment
Too Funny
You guys crack me up..I always enjoy reading your entries, but this one was by far the funniest. Thank you for giving me such a good laugh. Glad you haven't lost your taste in music.. And Bryan,,,,nice moves... Miss ya, talk to you soon..