After a quick day in Christchurch, Wednesday we drove three hours to The Southern Alps; actually I say 3 hours but in fact it was much longer as we stopped to tour cute little towns that grew smaller and smaller the further we moved into a more isolated part of this beautiful country. Lake Tekapo, where we are now, is a little town on the south end of the lake that shares its name; the population is approximately 500 people but don’t be fooled by that number as in actual fact it appears much larger with the abundance of holiday homes located here. Not only is this a big destination for summer tourists, swimming and hiking, but also in the winter for skiing and outdoor skating on the Lake.
We have enjoyed both swimming and hiking in our two full days here. Yesterday’s walk was quite level, hugging the edge of the stunningly beautifully blue Lake Alexandrina. It wasn’t a hot day, high teens, but at close to 2000 feet above sea level the sun was strong. So strong in fact that at the turnaround point we sent Lloyd on ahead and we three women stripped down to our birthday suits and splashed our way into the cool, refreshing water. Yup, as naked as the day we were born. Don’t try to picture it at all; with our jiggly white bellies and drooping breasts we were no lakeside mermaids, but we felt as free as the salmon that swam among us.
Today we confined our activity to a much more strenuous hike- a two hour grind uphill to 5000 feet above sea level where we were rewarded with a lovely café and 360 degree views of the mountains, lakes and land in between. Here I have to add about the café; you know how sometimes you go somewhere popular and there’s a place to eat and the food is mediocre, overpriced and you feel like you are almost being held hostage because they are the only game in town?? Not so the Astro Cafe; between a ham and cheese croissant sandwich, tomato soup, falafel wrap (mine- amazing with slices of red onion layered in), and rich desserts (of course we had to have sugar to both reward us for the climb and fuel us for the trip down!) we all agreed it was worth the climb. (By the way we could have driven up and the spectacular views would have been the same but what’s the fun in that?!)
We have a beautiful little bungalow here so except for lunch today have had all of our meals at home. It’s nice. We go out for a good part of the day and then home to clean up, relax, read, chat and yes, write this post! Everything is expensive in New Zealand so we are saving the opportunity to eat dinners out for when we are somewhere with more restaurant choices. And speaking of which, the red cod that Jo is cooking is smelling delicious so I better push off and do my bit by setting the table.
I sent along another Fireman Post a short while ago. I have heard from a few people that, although subscribed, aren’t getting my emails. Try checking your junk/spam and if not there, go to your inbox and under search type in [email protected] and see if the email appears. I did that for my sister last night and we found it. After all what good is ones marketing manager if she can’t read her clients emails?? 😊 If that doesn’t work message me and I will try to help sort things out; I am no techie but making progress!
A Bientot! xo
We had our NSIWA wine and cheese last night and you were missed. Enjoy my friend. I will see if I can find the email as I too am not receiving. Enjoy.
The dip sounds refreshing…NZ sounds lovely!
I loved the fireman story (and all others). I can’t wait for the next installment! I hope she leaves his sorry ass!
How freeing and fun to skinny dip in that lake. You’re sure off to a great start 😉
Fireman John is a slug. I hope he gets what’s coming to him 🤬
I think we will have to make time for the South Island and then make our way up to Whengarie where Emma will be playing rugby. She is all set with flat mates already sending information and a plane ticket. Oh to be 21 and off on a great adventure. I guess to be 60 ish isn’t bad either!
Sounds devine…the dip is how it should be…free. What an adventure you are on…inspiring.
Oh, New Zealand sounds awesome. Yep, another addition to my long list of destinations to explore.
Love the fireman story. On our run last night Maureen and I were guessing what will happen next. Lol
Keep on adventuring and sharing!!
You made me laugh…. I bet that water felt good 😜
Sounds absolutely beautiful where you are. So nice to have family/friends who enjoy all that you do!! Making memories!
Oh, I read part 4 of your “Fireman” story…the weasel and there is more to come 🔥
Thanks for the belly laugh about your skinning dipping., so funny! When I read your blogs. I read them in your voice as if you’re narrating the story, puts me in the picture and I could see you three women frolicking in the water…such fun! Loving the fireman instalments, can’t wait for the next part.
All sounds like the best of adventures!!!! Love reading these great experiences!!
You had me laughing out loud with blog ❤️