Monday - first long drive

We woke this morning to the same annoying, but interesting bird call at dawn. Packed up the van ( we made a check list of everything to do before driving off) then set off on a longish drive towards Lake Tekapo. The first part of the drive was back over the old volcanic crater rim surrounding Akaroa, then a long stretch of very flat land south of Christchurch. Our friend from last night had recommended an app called Campersmate, and this now proved extremely useful for finding a grocery store along our route. Fully supplied with more food, wine and a teapot, we followed the road inland towards the Southern Alps.

Just before Fairlie we stopped at a suitable panoramic view for a quick photoshop, then continued driving on to Lake Tekapo. We were expecting temperatures to decrease as we drive south and gained altitude, but it actually got hotter. At one point it was 32.5 degrees! Bit cooler now, but still very pleasant.

Tekapo is a beautiful place on the edge of a glacial melt lake which is therefore a wonderful shade of blue. At the edge of the lake there is a small church with the unusual feature of a plain large window behind the altar, framing a view of the lake and the mountains beyond. Close by is a monument commemorating the contribution of the collie dog to the farmers ability to survive in this area. Sadly there were many tourists, coach parties and several new developments close by which stopped the full wow factor of the church.

 

 

 

Following the guide lent to us by the campervan company, we then drive along a side road round the lake until we came to a place where we could freedom camp. It's a lovely spot, and we're camped on the dried up mud right at the edge of the lake. Seen a couple of people since we arrived, but basically we are on our own.

There is a small section of water separated from the main lake by a gravel bar full of waders and black swans, and that is where our van is. The waves on the lake breaking on the gravel are quite loud, but we seem to be in a very sheltered spot.

Not sure what the birds are, but they like standing on one leg.

Tomorrow we drive up to Mount Cook, possibly with a detour to the Mount John Observatory on the way. We are hoping the clouds will clear for tonight as we are in a designated dark sky area, and if we can see the stars they should be very clear.

 

 

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