The Mountains Call

Kia Ora!

Aoraki Mount Cook beckoned us west again this weekend. Kiwi Consort (KC) and I ventured as far into the mountains as we could by car, to Mount Cook Village. We took our time getting there stopping at Lake Tekapo for lunch at the Thai restaurant and at Lake Pukaki, just because it is pretty.

The roads were good though traffic got pretty woolly at one point. The shepherd and his dog had things well in hand, and we thought this was good entertainment.



Of course the mountains were spectacular. I am totally captured by the beauty of this mountain. A heavy cloud cover began creeping over the ridge that loomed over our hotel.

There are three levels of accommodation in Mount Cook Village. Backpacker dormitory, Alpine Village, and the
Hermitage. Making all reservations via computer we went top class at the Hermitage. After we checked in, KC treated me to a drink at the bar. I asked the bartender what he did best and ended up with this. Lots of fruit juice. He didn't know I'm not that kind of girl.
Next time I will be more assertive.

We started our weekend with a short 30 minute tramp. Up a hill and back down; we should have expected that. But it was nothing compared to what we did the second day. More on that later.

Cheers,

Kiwi Traveler