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| the road to Mount Cook |
I have finished my 3 months in Gore. I loved it there.
Every morning was a delight. I saw sunrises and sunsets like nothing that I have seen in London.
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| clouds over the Hokonui hills |
I have said goodbye to the roses
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| Gore cemetery |
It started with a coach ride.
I learned how to take moving panoramas with my phone. I had five hours to practice. And I didn't master it.
They won't be winning any prizes.
But they do show the green colours of Southland
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| Add caption |
I picked up a car in Queenstown and headed north over the Lindis Pass.
The tussock grasses were not so green.
The car was not so good up hill.
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| tussock grasses, Lindis Pass |
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| Lindis pass |
In Wanaka I strolled on the lakeshore, through sunlit trees and wished I had come prepared for a swim.
I was in the mood for soft focus. it seemed the only way to cope with the harsh sunlight.
I also tried some multiple exposure of the reeds on the lakeshore.
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| Wanaka |
Next up some tramping ( hiking).
The Hooker valley track.
I dutifully notified my 'adventure buddy' where I was going and when I would be back. I ticked the box on the adventure smart website that said I have a first aid kit, and then felt a little guilty, as all I have are some elastoplast and one dressing. Not much use if I break my leg or sprain my ankle. Still, it is an improvement on two years ago when I hiked in Paradise with not so much as a sticking plaster.
Turns out I needn't have worried, as most of New Zealand were on the track. Sunday is a popular day for tramping. I would not have been alone if I dropped dead or fell off the track. Someone else would be sure to have a bandage. A lady hiker got blown off the track 4 months ago; it is a very windy valley. You never know what might happen.....
The views on the track got better and better. I ate my apple in the shelter.
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| my apple |
And the traditional New Zealand beef sandwich that comes laden with hard boiled egg.
I know not why.
5 years ago I ate my apple in the shelter, and it was cold and rainy outside. This was so much better.
Mount Cook is the star of the show.
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| Mount Cook |
The river is wild and cloudy. Full of glacial sediment.
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| Hooker river
The boulders are big and shiny.
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The return journey was suitably spectacular.
It is hard to beat the colours of a glacial lake in full sunshine.
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| Lake Pukaki and Mout Cook |
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| Lake Pukaki |
I had walked my 10,000 steps, and so much more.
Saying 'au revoir' to this beautiful country and its lovely people.
KEW
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