We are grateful to our editor for giving us a break for part of the day (Wednesday). We still had to wake very early and try to earn our keep. However, in this market, her expectations may be too high. What can a person do? ‘Let’s stroll after business and take a look at the Shotover River Canyon and see what the jet boats are all about,' she suggested. "We thought today is a rest period for us, not the car,” we mentioned in passing, not to anyone in particular. Our comment was dismissed out of hand, not even a customary ‘roll of the eye’. We are definitely losing the touch. We wonder if she even hears our odd words of protest these days. We’ll mention more of the boats another time.
In the afternoon of our ‘off-day’, we headed into town where we sat in a park, drinking tea. A little background first. Last December, we met Todd and Adrian, two young Swiss men (mentioned in a blog at the time), on the three-day Kepler tramp. Both were charming and we spent a few hours in the hut talking about whatever ‘hut-people’ discuss. They were also adamant that when we next visit Switzerland, we stay with them although Todd was living in Auckland as a student at the time. Todd said he would arrange it with his parents—don’t you love the exuberance of youth.
“Finish your tea before it cools further,” our concerned editor instructed. Just then, a fellow touched our shoulder, asking whether we remembered him. At first, we thought he was a ‘hawker’. We stood, looked him in the eye and exclaimed: “Todd”. It was such a delight. Two parties meeting elsewhere in the world by chance exactly one year later. How do these things occur—the odds seem impossible. We spent a wonderful hour-and-a-half catching up with someone younger than Gavin. We had to re-commit to join him and Adrian in Switzerland soon—we can’t let him down, can we? “How did you recognize us?" We asked, particularly as he approached from behind. His reply: “The hat”. That’s another thing. The hat hadn’t been worn in New Zealand on this trip, yet.
The hike today ‘blew our minds’ whatever that means. We thought the big climb the day before (Lower Wye) overlooking Lake Wakatipu was spectacular. We realize that we are at risk of coming across with many superlatives. However, put it this way. It would be worth flying to New Zealand, undertaking this one-day hike and returning ‘home’ the next. That’s how good it is. The mountain ranges, many capped with snow, compacted into a small area, ‘drive us wild’. We have stood on four peaks thus far, Lomond, Remarkables, Wye and Dewar and seen each one from the other. Incredible! We have also relieved ourselves on all four, too. We don’t know how relevant that is but we know it will cause our editor to blush.
Our elevation gain was 3,400 feet including the walk down into the canyon towards Devil’s Creek and of course, back up (12km). We were alone on the mountains for the whole hike. We are often amazed at a feeling of being alone in what seems to be the middle of nowhere—usually, a beautiful nowhere. We notice wherever we go, there’s always a ‘devil’ and an ‘angel’ peak. Isn’t that a reflection of life?
We intend to return to this area and complete the few hikes that connect around Mount Coronet, the big ski area. New Zealand is either going to tire and age us or make us feel incredibly uplifted. Thus far, all seem to apply.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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