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21/10/11
We are becoming accustomed to the scenery now and no longer ooh and aah, quite so much every time we come across something dramatic, which to be honest, when driving along the roads here, is pretty often.
More relaxed in the camper-van too, we're quite used to things flying open as we twist and turn on some of the more vertiginous roads. Drawers and cupboards have flown open whilst motoring and on several occasions, I've had to leave my seat (passenger, obviously) and retrieve and replace some object or other; bread, 'weet-bix' (the ABs breakfast cereal) toiletries, HP sauce, in case, heaven help us, the contents should spill on the upholstery. Today it was an opened pot of pepper, which went everywhere. Much sneezing and spluttering ensued. Dustpan and brush in hand and resembling a contestant on 'Total Wipeout', (or 'Alice and Rose','conducting' on the Mayfield to Ashbourne Trent bus). I swiftly dealt with the spillage, whilst Ian skilfully negotiated the hair pin bends.
I offered to make him a cheese sandwich, but he thought it best I didn't.
We pulled over so I could drive ('remember your limit is 100 kph', 'slow down' and 'you can use all the gears you know') and was just about to pull off when who should appear beside us? Yes, the Argentinian and his wife!
I'm concerned he is stalking me and awaiting an opportune moment in which to reap his revenge!
Ian's ankle is badly bruised and swollen, but despite hobbling a bit, he insisted on driving some of the way. Don't know why? If he were an AB he'd be 'turning out' no problem, he reckons, but he was in pain, I could tell.
After familiarising ourselves with the town, we had a few drinks and a very nice meal by the harbour, then went to an Irish bar to watch the Australia vs Wales game. Dissappointed!
22/10/11
Queenstown is an outdoor adventure playground set against a stunning scenic background of tranquil lakes and jagged mountains.
The town has an amazing array of bars, restaurants and shops and is full of youngsters on working visas and/or gap years.
You can fill your day with adrenalin activities such as bungy jumping, white-water rafting, jet boating, heli-skiing, skydiving or, you can dress up as a character from LOTR and act out a piece of script.
Ian wasn't feeling the Pippin costume and even though I can do a pretty good "It's oursss, preciousss! It is ourss at last!" I didn't fancy plummeting down into the Cracks of Doom. So we opted for White water rafting instead. (WTF?)
After a lovely breakfast in a little French Restaurant on the quay, we met up with our fellow rafters, kitted up in all the gear and started with an unforgettable coach trip into Skippers Canyon.
I began to regret having the Oeufs Brouilles as this road is famous for it's incredible twists and turns, tight corners and exciting sheer drop, cliff edges!!! This was made all the more terrifying by Nolan, one of the guides, who's sense of humour boarded on the petrifying.
The journey into the canyon is part of the whole experience as the road has hardly changed since the days when the canyon was mined for gold. The Shotover River runs through Skippers Canyon and was one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world.
On arrival we met our river guides, more jokers. One of them, after asking my paddling persuasion, suggested I chose a right handed paddle. After looking intently at the collection, I realised this was akin to being asked to go to the iron mongers and ask for a long wait! Ian found my apparent dilemma highly amusing.
After the ubiquitous photographs we set off on our white water rafting journey through the spectacular Skippers Canyon.
Ably guided by the full-on, but very capable Aussie gal 'Gabby' (who's personality, in the nicest possible way, matched her name)we rafted down river from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, then headed towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower canyon.
The adrenalin pumped as we paddled Rock Garden, After Shock, Sharks Fin, Toilet, Pinball and Jaws to name but a few. For the ultimate thrill, we then went through the 170m Oxen bridge Tunnel before shooting Cascade Rapid to complete our adventure.
A sauna and hot shower followed back at the base, where we treated ourselves to a well earned beer.
- comments
Laura Just caught up with your blogging over breakfast...it all sounds wonderful Chez hope your having a great time, although I'm sure that goes without saying. Poor Ian and his ankle hope he gets better soon, you sound as though your having your own misfortunes too with your under garments and an Argentinian!!! Please be careful ;-) speak soon xxxx
Di Mansfield Well you two really do know how to make the most of your trip. Half term for us and you are making us feel very lazy sitting on the sofa watching Homes under the Hammer! Read the boys your blog and we may have a walk round punch to blow away the cobwebs. It all sounds amazing and am sure Alice and Rose would be very proud you thought of them on your NZ adventure. LOL D, J & C xxx