Hike 28: Sawyer Burn Peak along Lake Hawea, a relatively unknown

'Through the looking glass. We suggest clicking on a photo for perspective

After some early grinding, a really steep climb, today. Lake Hawea joins Lake Wanaka closeby

Editor is a little 'edgy'—great view down but not too secure

Most fortunate to be perched there

Peaked

Setting the scene. Looking towards 'our' peak. Put one's mind into a certain mode and the beauty overcomes one, it can be overwhelming emotionally

Tomorrow’s a travel day so we decided on one more hike before the rest. “Go easy on us,” we pleaded with our editor. She selected what appeared to be an unknown hike of relatively short distance near Lake Hawea. “Apparently,” she informed us, “it could be a little steep but short.” After a late start, we reached the peak of an incredible hike with some of the best lake views we have seen. The climb was also was one of the steepest we have undertaken in New Zealand. We would rate it as simply ‘great’. Our muscles were a little sore at the commencement but truth be told, we ‘ate’ that climb as we powered through the forest, broke the tree line and then almost vertically, assaulted the peak. It was one of those exciting, strenuous and fulfilling days, B’H.

Breaking the tree line, always a good feeling

Jenni leaves the peak as we head down

How dem mountains?

Should a person wish to gain perspective then meet an elderly couple on the same route. Over the duration of the hike, we came across two young couples from Germany and France followed by the Dutch pair who are seventy years old. Coming from the lowlands, this is a treat for them, we would think. We liked one of their comments. “We are visiting New Zealand with our children but decided to take the day off and hike.” They chose this little monster for their rest day. Some say it is close to 4,000 feet but we think less than that—information is scarce—nevertheless, steep and high. After meeting them, any whining we felt like venting, we held in abeyance. We find that if one delays the whine, it makes it so much more enjoyable to let go in the comfort of ‘home’. You should try it sometime. This instant gratification concept is overrated.

Approaching the final ascent

In Queenstown, there is much excitement about the Shotover Jets. We went to see what this exciting pastime is all about on the clear, fast flowing river. Red speedboats hold approximately fourteen people and zig-zag along the surface, also cutting through the canyon with the pilot providing thrills by twisting and turning the boat every which way. Ho-hum! What a thrill. We wondered what might happen should he misjudge the narrow walls of the canyon. ‘We don’t think there would be much damage to those canyon walls’, we decided. We did not give it too much thought because it did not hold our interest for long. We returned to the admissions entrance to see how close our guesses were as to the price of a ticket to sit on the boat for less than 30 minutes.

“$50 per ride,” our editor announced. ‘Too much,’ we replied, thinking about the recession, the entertainment value and using our secret evaluation system. ‘$25 is our estimate,’ we announced with an air of confidence.

The editor still in the forest 'spotting wood for the trees'

We may be losing our touch in yet another field. $119 per person to sit in a boat, hold your arms in the air, squeal out loud and then have a picture taken for only another $ 39 package. Wow! We are now thinking never mind sitting on the boat, we should buy one and sail/drive around offering thrills a minute.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

To our flank from the peak

Photographer positions 'dummy' well. In my youth it was called 'showing-off'. Nowadays, perhaps 'expressing oneself'. I call it pure enjoyment

Pretty as a picture