Queenstown, NZ

Woke up to beautiful sunshine, coffee, yogurt, fruit and got started on our day.  Again, mountains out of our windows and lake below--WOW.  Erik, our trusty driver, drove to the store in town for a space heater, while I got ready in the back as the van twisted and turned along the curvy path.  I soon realized the safest position was sitting—floor or seat—it didn’t matter.  The day was beautiful and we took full advantage exploring the towns many shops and art galleries.  We were even tempted to buy a few things including a charming painting, tight green pants (for Shelley!) and some honey hand lotion.  Instead we splurged on some McDonald’s shakes.  Keeping with tradition, later in the day we found a table in the sun and enjoyed a beer outside. 

For a bird’s eye view we took the Skyline Gondola (two person—how romantic!) up to Bob’s Peak, overlooking the city.  Once at the top we went to the observation deck, but that wasn’t high enough for us two thrill seekers.  Oh no!  We kept going up and up.   Even for us two gym rats, we were breathing hard as we climbed to the top.  Both of us were amazed at the lack of security and fencing “protecting” the visitors.  I know my mom (Barb) would have had an issue with where I was standing as even I told Erik, “I’m not looking at you standing that close to the cliff!!!”  We watched some paragliders jumping off the mountain in front of us and decided to keep climbing.  Eventually the two of us made it to the top.  It was such an unreal experience to be that far up, staring out into the mountains, lake and city and simply be just the two of us there.  Erik felt the need to leave his mark (mark his territory, if you know what I mean) and off we went back to civilization.

View from the gandola in Queenstown

Had to get a pic of the two of us on the observation deck!!

We splurged for dinner and visited the highly popular Fergburger and put our orders in for some “top of the line” Fergburgers.  We enjoyed the burgers (Erik having the deer burger—now he has had kangaroo and deer?!).  We capped off the night with a beer.