It’s been a while since we have posted as we have revisited some of the same old favourites as we do the rounds. We are obviously in the Deep South enjoying the episodic variety of weather only the South could throw at you. The weather is not always bad, but that constant westerly flow can sometimes get up the nose of the most resilient southerners. As for Jude and I, we just appreciate waking to any weather, as we know from our paramedical career, there would be many that would wish they were still sucking air to see any weather. Any way we are in the Otautau area parked up at the farm, helping out where possible so the extended whanau can attend urgent family matters. Last week we as expected got itchy feet and the urge to travel and also to give everyone a break from us. We headed to Te Anau for a couple of days. On the first day went for a 13km walk around the back of Te Anau township and along the lake front which was more like walking in a wind tunnel sized sand blaster as the wind whipping down the lake picked grit of the beach and turned them into stinger projectiles, it was one walk we were glad to get finished but at least the rain that was looming around the southern alps held off. The next day completed a 20km cycle ride, yep it was not a long one but it was still enjoyable. Before leaving Te Anau we rewarded ourselves with a pork bao from our favourite mobile “Bao Now” man… aaahh lost calories replaced. Next was Cromwell for some warmth and sunshine stopping along the shore of lake Wakatipu just north of Kingston for evening meal… still that westerly wind was persistent as. Parked up at Lowburn freedom camping area at Cromwell for a couple of days. The next day a small bike ride and a bit of window shopping was the order of the day. The following day was another bike ride and a chill out with a cold beer. Saturday night we joined friends we met in Te Puke for dinner at the Cromwell Town and Country Club… it was absolutely amazing who you bump into from the old days as well.
The third day in Cromwell was a lovely Sunday and the westerly had dropped enough to expose a mirror calm Lake Dunstan, time to inflate the kayak for a paddle from Lowburn Freedom Camp to Pisa Moorings and back, a nice 8km round trip.. just an idyllic morning for a kayak, I think I did most of the paddling as Jude was constantly stopping to listen to the cricket on her iPhone. It was an awesome morning on the lake and we got back just as the winds picked up again and the lake turned into something more suited to surfing. Monday was another good day however the westerlies were back but at least it was still warm. We had decided that the Kanuka Loop track at Bendigo was the exercise for the day… a 12km hike up and down some pretty narly climbs, those damn hills climbing to 750 metres above sea level. The terrain and the heat made it hard work and I could see why the track was rated for advanced fitness with a 5hour time, but hey did it comfortably, sucking through 2 litres of water in 3hrs 40min of grunt. I did enjoy the hike around this track and recommend it for the views from the top. Speaking of the top, we found a spot out of the wind and as I carried a small gas cooker, stove top espresso coffee pot, lunch, PLB, first aid kit, spare this and spare that (yes I take the kitchen sink) we enjoyed a lovely lunch before heading down to complete the loop, the walk up was warm and warmer on the steep climbs, cool at the top and by the time we reached the lower altitudes the sun was a scorcher and the heat was a killer… yep pick a cool day, but not raining as it would be pretty slippery underfoot. Real beautiful evening and Jude got some amazing photos of donut clouds. The next day was a walk around Stewart town. Stewart Town is the old gold diggings in the early European arrival days at Bannockburn. A warm and overcast morning but black thunderous clouds coming in from the south. Rain… yeah it belted down and I have to admit that this is one mud swamp when it rains so with footing very slippery we made it a short walk and headed to the Black Rabbit Cafe for lunch at Bannockburn… although soaked we enjoyed a good coffee and meal. Well I think everyone has had enough of a break from us and it is time to return…. well at least for a week or two when I sure we will get itchy feet again.