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A conversation started over breakfast with our 'then landlord Josef,'
What are you doing today?' Jeff repiled 'Well ,we would like to go on a hike away from the tourists.'
'I know.' he says enthusiastically, ' My favourite place , especially in the winter is the Remarkables, a range of mountains (2,320 m) you can drive up and then climb up where the ski lift is and walk to the summit.'
The view is unbelieveable - spectacular and not many people go up there. I'm sure you will enjoy it.'
I just want you to take a moment to visualise Josef. Josef, has run his hotel for 17 years, originally from Austria/ Germany. He is tall, lean, always kept himself 'fit.' He has 'blond' hair in his 50's and looks like a ski instructor or possibly a Olympic skier - who knows!!
No girls, he was not my 'cup of tea', but really was lovely and so helpful. He cooked the best scrambled eggs for breakfast.
It was easy to see that he lived for the mountain air, the thrill and the exhilaration of skiing down vast mountains at speed. His face lit up when he talked about it. For him being on the top of a mountain was where he found his freedom, his passion, and it keeps him feeling young. He loved living in Queenstown as he had the best of both worlds - the sun and the mountains.
This needs to be noted that just as we left the table, Josef let us know that the road had been 'sealed', but there was still work was being done in preparation for the winter season. He explained that previously it was a narrow unmade road, where there was only room for one car to pass at a time. Jokingly he said it was almost like a 'motorway' way now!!!!
This is the time when I am hoping that those of you who ski or have travelled over mountains, can recall your own story which involved transport or a road or possibly both.
The day was glorious, we were both looking forward to the new adventure and the anticipated views. However, we soon discovered that the road was only open to public in designated 30 minute 'time windows' so having missed the morniing slot and opted to go up in the afternoon.
So not giving it a second thought, we went and explored other areas and at 1.30pm we arrived at what I am going to describe as 'base camp' - it was where a few cars gathered ready for the ascent. In hindsight, I'm not sure what we thought would happen in these slots or where the vehicles were going to be. In Italy or Spain the workman would have a siesta. I think in reality we didn't really think it through, one thing we did think was that the road would be 'sealed.'
As we started to climb in convoy with about five other cars, it was clear that the road was getting steep very quickly and the road soon went into tight 'hair pin' bends with sharp gradients and with every turn the road seemed to get narrower. There were no barriers on the edge of the road, just sheer drops. Eeek!!
I am sure that very soon after this point, if Jeff could have turned he would have. One because he wasn't very confident with the car's engine power and two his passenager was never very relaxed in these situations. Alas there was no where to turn. I closed my eyes - did my breathing exercises and put my total and absolute trust in 'my man.'( I know a bit soppy, but it was true!)
Very soon the surface of the road changed from being newly surface to loose shale that made driving even more tricky. As the surface became less and less stable and the bends became tighter and tighter, we went slower and slower. As we came around another bend there infront of us, to our surprise, were large lorries and rollers working on sealing the next section of the road. These huge vehicles were percariously perched on the bends, I had my eyes firmly shut. Jeff had to negogiate a way through, he dropped to first gear so that he could keep the car on the road. Phew! we went passed and realised that the road works were now continuous - no siesta for New Zealand workman, work, work, work - regardless of danger.
So we continued upwards, the car was silent, I didn't want to gasp too much as I thought Jeff had enough on his plate. That is until we went around an even tighter bend, the surface of the road was now, 'a sand like texture' and as we tried to go further, infront of us were two lorries, on a water bowster, was filling the other with water and a steam roller was trying to reverse as we were trying to go forward. I can tell you now that as I opened my eyes I just couldn't believe it. To add to the drama of the situation a gust of wind caught the car. it wobbled from side to side.
Again I closed my eyes, tears rolling down my face , I know ridiculous, but it was quite a scary situation. For the first time I heard Jeff gasp. He too was out of his comfort zone. Jeff just kept repeating
'I wouldn't open your eyes at the moment.' The fact he actually said it was enough, fortunately I had all of my trust in him
When the water filling task was completed the lorry manouvered giving us a gap to pass, we were closely followed by the other cars.
The summit was no where to be seen, although I think we were near, there was a 'pull in' and Jeff took the opportunity. Jeff felt that we should go no further , we weren't insured on 'unsealed' surfaces. After a moment to take in the situation we turned and we down. Suffice to say we didn't find the ski lift or walk to the summit but we are here and happy to be able to share the story.
We had a much needed hug when we got down to base camp.
Hope all is well with you all and remember to share your story with friends and loved one! Look forward to hearing them later in the year.
Take care
- comments
Ric Well, J&J, what are Gap Years for ?? Just luv your story!! The Sheikh
Ann Whiteley Reading this with a cup of tea at 6.30 in the morning I can only imagine your fears on that adventure but also your disappointment at not getting to the summit. But I am pleased to see that common sense prevailed and you live to tell the tale! Loved the photos you posted - who would have thought there was a place called Dobson!! Stay safe guys and carry on enjoying your amazing adventure.Love from us both xx
Barbara I don't think I stopped to breathe at all whilst reading that! So relieved it had a happy ending. Take care of yourselves xx
Rhoda Jackie I really think you must put all these stories in a book when you get home and get it published. I felt your fear but I laughed until I cried. X
Han At the bottom of this blog it recommends a wine and beer tour. I think you should take them up on it after that! Thank goodness I wasn't in the car too, Dad wouldn't have coped with the extra anxiety!! Xx
Liz Sounds like you have fallen in love with NZ. Don't blame you. I recon I would. Just wondering if u made it to Able Tasman/ golden beach. My New Zealand friend said it is a must but been too late in passing it onto u. We are Enjoying following and reading about your adventures. If you made it to Townsend /Queensland let me know. I have family there. Best Wishes
Krys I have just read this. As one who hyperventilated going up a minor "hill" in Majorca, I can only take my hat off to your bravery!!!!