After by chance discovering Lake Clearwater which just seems to nestle there in the vast glacial plans surrounded by some decent sized mountains, I was finally able to clamber up a mountain and the others could have some more recuperation time next to the lovely lakeside. I went up 1400m Mount Guy and realised that a month of slobbing about in Asia eating Spring Rolls, curries and driving about on scooters is not great for the waistline or fitness so was definitely a bit stiffer than usual. It was also bloomin hot and the scrubby desert like landscape with small shrieking crickets, shrubs, gorse bushes and even what looked like cactus bushes made the whole experience pretty intense but very satisfying and the view from the summit was delightful. There are also a wealth of birds of prey in these parts and pretty sure have seen Buzzards, Falcons and Eagles - although it must be said my ornithological skills are a little rusty!
We pressed on later that afternoon towards Lake Tekapo. A beautiful stunning blue lake at the eastern edge of the Southern Alps. A beautiful spot for photographs and it must be said we have been blessed with the weather so far, it's sunny and HOT! JB and Anna stayed in a 70's style budget hotel and I decided to drive down the lake a bit down a dirt track and sleep up in the car and enjoy the stars. This part of New Zealand is a designated Dark Sky Reserve so the stars are reputed to be exceptional and they didn't disappoint! The next morning we had some brekkie up on the hill next to the observatory and pressed on towards Lake Pukaki, also stunningly blue and with some incredible views towards Mt Cook and the surrounding mountains - our next destination!
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