High Aspiration

In anticipation of another rainy day, I got up and out by midmorning to catch some views before the storms rolled in (which they never did).

Rode the Skyline Gondola to an observation platform overlooking Queenstown from 1500 feet above the lake. I briefly considered hiking up the Tiki Trail to the platform but my legs were a little cranky this morning so I decided to ride in style.
It was well worth $22.
The panoramic view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, set beneath the towering Remarkables mountain range is quite dramatic.
Yes, the mountains are called The Remarkables. And they are.
As you will see in the photos below.
(BTW, be sure to click on any photo thumbnail to expand images to full size.)

After admiring the view for some time, I was struck with a sudden whim to walk down the mountainside along the Tiki Trail. How hard could it be going downhill?
I soon found out.

The descent is about a mile of steep switchback hiking trail through alpine forest. There are flat stones and other various footholds advantageous for those hiking uphill but heading down is another matter.
When you've left the hiking boots at home and are scuttling about in running shoes it takes a bit of finesse not to twist an ankle.The knees take a bit of a beating too.
By the time I made it back into town my legs were pretty sore.

This is the second time I've gone galavanting off  without bringing along any water or energy bars. In both cases it would've been a good idea. I hope to have learned my lesson.

At the foot of the Tiki Trail is the local Queenstown Cemetery. I lingered for a while and was struck by just how many Irish are planted there. As we know, Ireland was a rough place for many of its inhabitants in the 19th century. They sure came a far piece to make a new start.  To come this far by sea, this far inland and upland to hew gold nuggets and a life out of the mountains...well, it's an oft-repeated tale but it sure takes plenty big oysters to accomplish.

Anyway, most of my afternoon was spent traipsing up and down the streets of Queenstown gathering food supplies and other items for the upcoming marathon road trip. I will pick up my rental car in another day or so and anticipate spending many hours behind the wheel. I'm glad that I've been able to get in some good solid exercise beforehand.

But first...

Tomorrow I'm up at the-crack-of-the-crack-of-dawn to board a group tour bus to Milford Sound.  It's a 12 hour round-trip which includes a two-hour boat ride through what I'm told is one of the the more epic environments on the planet. In this case, I'm actually supposed to wish for some rainfall because it feeds the massive waterfalls that tumble into the sound.

OK. All for now.
Here are some photos from today. Please note that I rode the gondola up the mountain again for some sunset shots. And yes, I took the gondola back down this time.  I may be stupid but I ain't (entirely) crazy.