Day Three

Another great, in fact magnificent day we have had.

A leisurely breakfast with lots of great conversation. We then travelled over to Bannockburn area with the intent of walking the track around all the old gold mining sluicing (1862) amazing country at times like being in Death Valley (bottom picture)
inter mingled with patches of grape vines giving a refreshing contrast of greens against the earthy browns and oranges of the country. The hills leading to and around were carpeted with thyme, all dried now. (Mental note, return in November to see the flowering).
The tract meanders up the valleys way up to Stewart Town, the remains of the mining town. Here we picked pears from the old orchard from 150 odd years back, incredible.

I took many pictures but I've only combined two to show the contrasts. In the bottom one if you go in large you can see how tiny our boys are compared with the imposing surrounding.

From there we headed off to Carrick Winery for a late lunch sitting outside under the shade of the wonderful old trees. We were persuaded to enjoy their pinto Gris, delicious as was the lunch.

Continuing on we headed for Arrowtown for a coffee and ice cream (two different places) then a slow meander through the charming countryside to Queenstown.

We are enjoying "happy hour" now, while cleaning up all the left over before heading into the wop wops tomorrow for three days. No power, no blipping but guaranteed fun on the bikes, loads of laughter .... We do enjoy each other's company - priceless.

Catch up Saturday when we hit Te Anau

Rainie