You should See the One the Got Away

A Real “E” Ticket Experience

March 1
Yesterday was the one month anniversary of our trip…. And we had quite a day!  New Zealand is famous for its unprecedented natural beauty…the bay’s, the rivers, the lakes: OH MY! Well, it is also known world wide for being the place where commercial bungy jumping began. Once I set eyes on the bridge built over the Kawarau River outside Queenstown I knew this was the perfect place to experience bungy jumping.*  I was surprised by how gentle and fluid the jump felt. I felt less adrenaline and more ethereal. My eyes drank in the turquoise water as I bounced and swang and it was peaceful… I would have been happy to swing upside down for much longer, but the crew dutifully retrieved me and I was returned to reality.

We did a quick turnaround we headed to another thrill spot on the nearby Shotover River. Bobby Had heard how fun the jet boat ride was… And we were not disappointed! It was the best ride ever! Faster than any roller coaster…. More twists and spins and heart-pounding maneuvers in a jaw-dropping narrow river gorge. Hold on tight, because you feel you may be thrown out!

March 3
I can’t begin to count the multitudes of rivers and lakes which punctuate this country. Which one is more beautiful? I couldn’t make a choice. The rivers are so piercingly clear… We stood on a bridge overlooking one and we could pick out the trout in the water below.  There are lakes so blue they are mind boggling.
Perhaps we were getting accustomed to exceptional scenery ….then we entered Fiordland on our drive to Milford Sound. It began innocently enough with expansive meadows encircled by mountains.  The forest grew in density and the winding road more intense and the rain was steadily falling. Then the lofty granite mountains were taller and closer and we found ourselves navigating through the most spectacular canyon with hundreds and hundreds of waterfalls streaming from the peaks… Waterfalls every where you turned. Bobby and I were in awe. In the midst of this eye popping amazement, the one road into Milford Sound ran through a one way tunnel blasted through the mountain. Keep your fingers crossed… that kilometer seemed to last forever!
The scenic cruise on Milford Sound Fiord was very nice… We waited to take it when there  was a dry weather window …but the drive to get there will be a memory we will never forget. Bobby and I agree with the travel brochure: the overland route to Milford Sound is one of the finest alpine drives in the world!!

Side Note:
*10 years ago Bobby and I were standing midpoint on a bridge that connected Zambia and Zimbabwe. Below was the Zambezi River and within walking distance was the remarkable  Victoria Falls. There was a Bungy Jumping outfit operating on that bridge(still is). We watched a daring jumper or two. The thought of trying it crossed my mind … I’d just tried skydiving a couple of years before… But the African buggy rope looked tattered and frayed- not at all stable- and I decided if I was ever to bungy jump it would be in New Zealand. Ironically, several years ago that bungy rope in Africa did snap… A young woman fell into the Zambezi below. She  miraculously survived, but very injured.

March 5
Tonight and today we were in a desert. Actually, I was really pleased… It was hot but not sweltering. The plant life was reassuringly familiar… Creosote ( or at least a version of)bushes, cottonwood trees, poplar trees. Much of this terrain reminds me of my birthplace and environs. I’ve boasted about the New Zealand campgrounds… but  this one ‘took the cake’! Each site had its very own flush toilet,hot shower, and sink contained in 5 x 5 structure.Sun roof and electricity included. The lake was across the road. In case you happen to be in the area, look for Lake Benmore outside of Omarama “a place of light” on Highway 83.  We even came across The Clay Cliffs, while exploring off the main road. For Mojave desert people: they are a cross between the Pinnacles
and RedRock Canyon.  Our destination was Lake Pukaki at the base of majestic Mt. Cook and a view of the Tasman Glacier.  The bright sun perfectly showcased Mt. Cook’s snow-capped peaks towering above the vivid glacier-fed blueness of Lake Pukaki. I think Bobby got some pics that really illustrate how epic the vista is. We oohed and aahed the entire drive in to the village.

We have been exceedingly fortunate with weather. Right at this minute however the wind is horribly vicious…. It’s whipping the trees around every which way and the noise is making me cringe. We are camping in Lake Tekapo where the night sky is famous for star gazing.  I am too cold to peak out of the van to enjoy it and if I did, I think my head would be blown off.

March 6…Friday in New Zealand
We on our way to Christchurch. I expect our visit to be somewhat poignant since it recently   marked the 4th anniversary of their devastating earthquake. We hear the city is still very scarred and is far from returning to normal. Those of us Californians are blessed we haven’t been dealt ‘The Big One’ as yet.  But then again, the favorite saying of New Zealander’s is “”No Worries!”.