More fun outside

Lake Wanaka (love this town)

Well, I can’t stay out of the mountains too long apparently.  The house I was CouchSurfing at in Wanaka had a spare mountain bike that they lend to their surfers, so I took that out for a day and just rode some easy trails around the lake.  Now that’s a fun sport that I could really get into (and hurt doing).  After an extremely easy hitch from Wanaka to Queenstown, I got to my hostel, which upgraded me from a 12 bed dorm with no bathroom, to a 6 bed room with an ensuite—always a good surprise!  I’ve met a few people, all of whom tell me about more places I “need” to visit and should work in for a while.  So much to see in this world!  Anyway, yesterday the weather in Queenstown was mediocre at best, so I just walked around town, browsed the outdoors stores at all the toys I want, but don’t need (I’ll spare you the ripped boots rant).  However, I did walk around barefoot (as Kiwis do) and sliced a chunk off my toe—my fourth big cut since I’ve been here.  Life ain’t all sunshine and rainbows (but mostly).  Last night I decided to test my luck at the casino, which is a long way from Vegas, but I did end up doubling my $20!! That covered my $13 burger, which was worth $13, but even better free!  Anyway, the forecast was iffy for today, but when I woke up, the clouds seemed to be clearing, so I, of course, headed for the mountains.  

The mountain I climbed on right, Lake on left/centre

Ben Lomond Peak

I climbed Ben Lomond Peak, which they say is a 6-8 hour hike, but it took me just under 6 with several stops.  The views from the top were amazing as you could see over Lake Wakatipu off one side and over to Mt Aspiring National Park and the snow-covered peaks on the other side!  While I was alone on the trail, there were 3 others at the summit and it turns out 2 of them are staying at my hostel—more friends!  I also saw mountain goats, or tar as they call them here, which was the first time I’d seen any real wildlife in New Zealand other than birds!  Then I met a couple from Vancouver whose nephew was drafted  in the NHL’s first round draft this year, played the preseason with the Ducks before getting injured and is rated the 50^th best prospect in the world—I suck.  Otherwise, it turned out to be an amazing day!  I’m hitching over to Gore tomorrow where one of my friends from Otago lives and will spend the weekend at her house/farm, then back to Dunedin, which probably won’t be super noteworthy, so I’m not sure when the next post will be.  Love ya and miss ya!