21.13 Queenstown, New Zealand: Ben Lomond Mountain, one of the finest hiking experiences.

We left Hawaii on a nine hour flight and arrived in New Zealand over a day later. We have quite a story
to tell but one not related to time.




Jenni stands on peak of Ben Lomond Mountain.



The challenge of reaching Ben Lomond Mountain summit together with the views and beauty of the
whole area are hard to match. Certainly as regards the effort to reach the peak, 'Charity', one of the
Three Sisters Volcanoes in Oregon, is a close match.

We were tired following the hike as we commenced from the 'real bottom'. Most people, we are told and
witnessed on the day, ride the gondola up to the starting point, some 1,200 feet, which takes an hour
by foot. The elevation gain, depending on who one believes, is anywhere between 4,500 and 4,800 feet
to the peak. Should you trust the judgment of our muscles then it felt more like 5,000 feet. Nevertheless,
it is one of our favorite experiences. Unfortunately, it does not seem to get easier.




Mount Aspiring in the distance with glacier.





"She did it, I knew she could do it and she did, indeed." Some 4,700 feet above starting point.





Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown amazing body of water.



There is a fortune of activity in Queenstown, out and about the lower mountain. The gondola schleps
people up and down, there is parasailing for those wishing to fly off the lower mountains, bungee jumping, a
luge on wheels and suicide BMX cycling down the mountain from the gondola station level. Most people are sensible:
They ride up in the gondola, take in the views, have lunch and travel down again. How boring.

Perhaps it is ironic or apt that with all the dangerous activities taking place on the lower mountain
and hiking and trail running on the upper mountains, outside the lower-gondola station is a cemetery.




A view from Ben Lomond, capturing a crater rim, a particularly attractive grouping of mountains.




Fooling around on the rocks and boulders.




Water and mountains.





An overpowering view of more mountains.




It was a superb day for us: The weather was sunny, (not so good for photography though), we sweated
our way to the upper-gondola station and sipped tea from porcelain cups mind you, served with teapots.
We then headed for the real mountain which is intimidating. When it first comes into view it is scary.
By the time one reaches the saddle, the sight to the top following the spine makes it seem an impossible climb.
Nevertheless, one foot in front of the other with a little 'vasbyt' (determination) and one finally arrives
at the peak. As mentioned, the views are breathtaking along the whole route.





From the peak, viewing part of the trail below.





"We're almost there...we're almost there...how wonderful...".





Trees, mountains and water, somewhat dryer than previous visits (excluding the water, of course.)





Just loving it.




Harsh at rear, soft color in fore ground.



Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey