Haast Beach

We travelled over to the west coast and back to the sea (thank goodness). Where we stopped is very isolated and primative compared to other places we have been. No town, no shops (yeah) just people there to dive, fish and enjoy the sea. I spoke with one guy who was there with others fishing. They dive to get huge mussels and rock lobster (crayfish). He says they have no commercial use, but they make good eating for them! They looked great. I went for a walk along the beach after dinner (Linda went for a shower) and had a great time listening to the crashing waves and watching the sea birds. I couldn't get to the sea as there was a sand bar blocking my access. But, I could see, hear and smell it.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown was a gold mining town. At first, Europeans but when they left is was Chinese. They came hoping to make a little money and go home. It appears they were treated horribly even though they were needed. Sounds a lot like Canadian history. When they were through with the Chinese, they slapped on a huge head tax (familiar?). The Chinese were blamed for disease, drugs and everything else. At least there are places like this that acknowledge that history. The museum in town is very good and they have done a nice job in making things accessible.

Some like shiny things

I often say Linda is part crow ( of kea here in nz ) as she loves to go from shop to shop and look at shiny things. I'm bored to tears by now. So, Linda went to investigate shops in Wanaka and I went out for a horse ride. It was a lovely 2 hr ride, just me and the guide ( a pleasant young woman) and a very nice horse, Cheyenne (19 yrs old). I'm a bit stiff still but I loved it. After, I found this great old hotel in Cordrona (gaelic for wind). The hotel is from 1860 and the proprietor was an Irish woman (husband likely looking for gold). They preserved the place beautifully and it was such a treat. After my dusty ride, I treated myself to a pint of Cordrona Ale - aaagh!

More on Shotover Jet Boat

I believe the address is www.shotoverjet.co.nz
Then, at daily pictures put in SHJT802201638442
After leaving Queenstown we went to Wanaka which is a pretty tourist town on a lake. We went to the campground and were glad it was just overnight. The guidebook did say it was like a "military installation" and that was accurate. Cinder blocks for everything. Not all that clean either. Everywhere we have been has been pretty good other than this. I was over at the office to get information saw the headline of the local paper "Mountain Scene." It said,"Jet on the Rocks". Yup, Shotover Jet boat! Hit a rock and 10 people went to the hospital for check ups. A few were banged up. The water is very low right now so I guess there is a better chance for this to happen. Good thing Linda didn't see this before or she'd never have gone. I'm not quite sure why I took it back to the van for her to read!

Shotover jet boar

Between the booking agent (who said he sometimes feels more like a counsellor) and me, we convinced Linda to go on a jet boat. I will supply the URL later as I don't have it with me. The deal was that I would pay and Linda could pay me back if she decided it wasn't the stupidist thing she'd ever done. I'll end the suspense - she paid me back!

We are now off in search of camera number three. I dropped the replacement for the stolen camera and the lense is jammed! Bah!

Price of the wool

This wool would fetch $6.50. If it were from a merino sheep, it would be $46.00. However, Lindsey pointed out that this sheep already produced two lambs and will produce wool twice a year as well. Eventually (6 yrs old) she'll be mutton!

Walters Peak Farm

We had a farm tour (after a lovely bbq) with sheep dog demonstration (Storm) and a shearing demo. The guide, Lindsey, had a typical nz sense of humour (it takes some getting used to) and put on a good show.