Spectacular Queenstown scenery!

Photos: The TSS Earnslaw, Sheering Sheep, me on the bow of the Earnslaw, views of Lake Wakatipu from the top of the Gondola and sunset from my room.

Queenstown is the most spectacular scenery I have seen so far. The city sits in the valley between the Remarkable mountains, and they are truly remarkable! My room has huge windows looking out over Lake Wakatipu which is Moari for "the bluest lake I have ever seen".

I started out on the TSS Earnshaw, a 100 year old steamer which crosses the lake with the mountains on each side. The day began a bit cloudy and rainy, but by the time we reached Walter Peak on the other side, it was pretty drippy. Undaunted, I said that I knew it would clear up.

We watched a shepherding dog bring her flock of sheep through the gate and back out again. Peter, the owner of 260,000 acres of prime sheep land, took his dogs through the paces. next we watched as he sheared a sheep. It was an amazing process with 10 pounds of wool at the end! It was so soft and the lanolin on the end was almost creamy on my hands.

We retired to the house where we were served tea and scones, pastries and it was a wonderful carb experience. Yum!

We returned to the downtown area after going through their gift shop. I bought a couple of scarves for friends in colder climes.

I hiked up the hill to the Gondola which goes to the top of the mountain, about an 8 minute ride. The views, as the rain had ceased by now, were astounding! You could literally see for miles. It was clear and warm, but windy. The weather today was about 60. Tomorrow was supposed to be a bit warmer.

I saw kiwis, but they were in a glass enclosure, so I could take any photos. Kiwis are an extremely endangered species, so they are very protective.

Walked back to the B and B which is located about 5 miles from town, so my dogs are barking. More tomorrow, perhaps a canyon swing or tandem paraglide, we shall have to see how the weather is in the morning.

Night all!
Kerry