Light rain all morning as we left Queenstown. Not much exciting to talk about in the damp. The road was OK with adequate shoulders and not too hilly so we made reasonable time.
The first bit of interest is Al Hackett Bungy. They use this historic suspension bridge over the Kawarau Gorge. I think this may have been the first or one of the first Bungy sites (homework - check the Internet to find out who did the first Bungy).
We continued following the river down the gorge, so the cycling was easy and generally downhill, but still raining. The valley opened up a little into numerous vineyards and wineries - Penticton again. Further down the gorge narrowed into a spot called "The Roaring Meg," named after a side stream with a small hydro project on it. It does look like a vicious chunk of water - no doubt the Kiwis use it for rafting or river kayaking or both.
The river was also the site of another mid 1800's gold rush. We passed some old workings and miner's shacks.
Exiting the gorge we are into more vineyards and orchards. We cycled into Cromwell, had lunch, did a little shopping and headed north along Dunstan Lake. Here's a view across the lake to vineyards, orchards and other farms.
It was easy travelling along the lake and we came to Tarras. The town consists of a cafe, a couple of shops and a school. Talking to the locals we were warned off the only backpacker's 4 km away (he wasn't supposed to be operating due to legal issues) and they suggested some alternates. We've ended up at a very nice unit just up the road 2 km.
Tomorrow we are heading for Omarama, about 80 km away but with another climb (Lindis Pass) in the way.
Here's Laura sizing up her next sweater, after they grow their coats. We pass both sheared and un-sheared sheep as we pedal along. Don't know if what the logic for when to shear is.
By the way, Tarras (or more correctly Bendigo Station down the road) is the home of Shreck the sheep. Apparently he avoided being sheared for some time and ended up being quite the "woolball." (Another Internet topic to research).
Sorry we missed th chapteer the first time around. Why did we not se you both on the bungy jump. I thought that this was an adventure trip. It is funny as the wool that I am usinng for the kids sweaters is from NZ. So will use your picture to show them who donated their wool. Kye is grat nd keeping us very active and we love it. Peddle safe. Pat & en
ReplyDeleteThat's the bungy jump I *didn't* do... I was on the bridge, all strapped in, but the guy wouldn't give me a little push to get me started. (He joked about giving me a size 10 - a kick in the butt - but wouldn't do it when I decided that I needed it.) Ended up walking off instead of jumping off.
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