The tucked away trailhead, when we found it, allowed us to approach Ben Lomond from the opposite
side of Queenstown. We commenced at Arthurs Point and spent six to seven hours on the trail, swamped
by giant mountains above the Shotover River. In New Zealand, this part of the river plays host to
the jets (boats) that race through the canyon and swirl around, apparently thrilling thousands
of visitors.
To wake to a nice view is most soothing; hot tea would be wonderful.
Meantime, back at the ranch, Jen trudges up a stiff climb. Unfortunately, the conditions are dry
and the snow-capped mountains are few. Other than that, no complaints.
Standing above the Shotover River, the early morning light causes the water to sparkle.
Jenni was overcome with an almost spiritual feeling, so she explains, as we walked along the mountain
edges towards Ben Lomond. It was the endpoint of our previous hike. We were able to get a different
perspective by being in the places that we had only viewed from the peak. Nevertheless, whatever the feeling,
and we both experience them in different ways from time-to-time, it energized her to an extent that she
was unstoppable. It was with great relief that we had to halt...because we reached our car finally.
Looking down the canyon and into the valley. We observed this view from Ben Lomond, though a different
elevation and position from previous hike.
On another tough hike, the editor continues to smile as she did all day. What gives?
The views, the atmosphere, the mountains were special.
Along the way, we spotted "Canyon Swing", a bungee jump with a difference. On our return,
we watched a couple of people take the suicidal mission. It's possible to live very dangerously in
New Zealand while paying 'big bucks' for the pleasure. We each have our risk profiles and limits.
Jenni assumes primary role as 'show-off', upstaging the pseudo-showoff while standing
high on a narrow ledge. How's dem slope?
A look reminiscent of the Sierra Nevada of California as we close-in on the trailhead, close to 'home'.
When tired, a man must take a break and rest. We took breakfast above the Shotover River, allowing
the legs to dangle and the mind to absorb the wonder..
We hiked approximately eleven miles, accumulated a lot of feet but cannot quantify the gain. We did
have extremely tired feet, long before completion. If nothing else, our evenings are short and sweet
as the need to 'hit the sack' early is essential, following some of the strenuous days we are experiencing.
We won't mention anything about the locals and land yet as we have an essay on New Zealand for later
publication.
From a different hike but very close by, the extensive Lake Wakatipu.
A tempting snatch from the next day, in cooler weather alone in the vast mountains.
A 'Shotover Jet' returning to the jetty.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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