25 0410

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21 04 2010

We were on the road at 0930 hours. Pretty good time for us. Destination Hanmer springs via the Lewis pass and Lower Buller gorge. The sun was shining and all was well. The scenery was brilliant. We had mountains, tropical rain forests, gorges, rapids, rivers, valleys, gulleys sunshine hick towns (Reeftown) and all.

I thought the views yesterday were great because of the coast line. Today was inland and the views as spectacular as before. I am running out of words to describe how beautiful the scenery is here. Plunging cliffs covered in forests, alpine scenery, roads that twist and turn, wide open valleys with trees of every colour, simply marvellous

The photos we took can’t begin to compare to the vista of views we enjoyed. It is a must visit place and absolutely stunning country.

We stopped off in a half hick town for a coffee called Reefton which once again grew upon the 1850 gold rush or thereabouts. Hasn’t really changed that much and is full of people I would say knew each other very well. Read into that what you will but it is fact!

In any case we loved the drive and marvelled at the eagles that soared beside us, tried to avoid the squished possums beneath us, and just were blown away by how brilliant this country is for ever changing views.

We got to Hanmer Springs and checked into the camp site. Very peaceful with trees around and mountains as the back drop. Once again the thought of gripping adventure overtook us and we checked into the mountain spring thermal spas. This is what life is all about. Lounging around in pools varying from 30 - 42degrees of sparkling mineral thermal water with the sun shining and relaxing in the alpine fresh air was very therapeutic.

We eventually dragged our wrinkled bodies back to camp for a steak dinner with a drop of local pinot noir and afterwards we wondered over to the nearby park and stargazed.

I cannot begin to tell you how many stars are evident here; there was the Southern Cross and a trail of millions of stars shining brightly. The view was literally out of this world. Great way to end the evening and a wonderful day.

Hope all is well at home and lots of love to Tom Sam Dan and Emily and all our blog fans, love your messages, please keep them coming even if it’s only “Hello from ??”

Lots of love a starry eyed couple called Phil and Wendy

XXX

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Comments

[tracy]

Hi there
Hi Wendy and Phil Cant believe you are half way through your adventure. The trip so far looks and sounds fantastic, god knows how you will cope coming back home to reality!! Enjoy the journeys ahead. With all our love The Fogartys