Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE LAKE - WHERE'S THE VIEW, FOR F***'S SAKE?
DAY 35: Franz Josef to Makarora
We left the beautiful alpine village of Franz Josef early on and made our way towards Makarora through the Southern Alps.
Our first stop was after about an hour at Lake Matheson, famed for its mirror lake that reflects the view of the snow capped mountains. Unfortunately, today it looked more like a fishing pond in the UK on an overcast day, with not a mountain (or reflection) in sight. It was nice, but just not the awesome view that we were expecting. I took a photo of a postcard in the cafe so I could see what it's supposed to look like.
Next place up was the wilderness that is the Haast Valley. Flowing rivers, one lane bridges, steep mountainous climbs and deserted beaches. Simply stunning in every view. We stopped at one beach for a quick photo opportunity and two dolphins popped up about five metres off the beach. Not for long enough to grab a pic though.
We stopped for lunch in Haast, a small village with a few basic amenities, before our final drive of the day to Makarora.
Makarora is literally in the middle of nowhere in a valley with nothing but huge snow capped mountains either side. It was beautiful weather and it was so peaceful and quiet, so we checked in to our nine-bed dorm and decided to play a bit of rummy on the bench. Rummy is a lot harder with more than two of you.
One of the Swedish girls on the bus decided to hold a yoga class on the grass, so Jen, Lisa and Laura took part (with five others), while Josh, Metro (our driver) and I all watched and took photos. Not in a pervy way of course, but simply to capture the memories for the students taking part.
After a budget DIY dinner of a Wattie's (New Zealand's Heinz) corn and bacon chowder, we headed to the bar to get ourselves ready for the evening's entertainment - karaoke. Some of the singers were really good. Some were not. Our driver, Metro, was particularly good with his rendition of a Billy Joel classic, 'Don't go changing'. Jen and I avoided singing at all costs. I'd have needed at least another seven pints to bring out Rodders.
We retired at about 12.30pm with another spectacular display from the stars under a perfectly clear sky. Didn't see a shooter though, but it was spectacular standing ther looking up at zillions of stars.
- comments