Today we headed down to Te Anau for lunch before continuing on to The Divide where we hiked part of the Routeburn Track. This is the largest and most spectacular national park. The gruelling hike gave us some spectacular views from the top of the world. When we reached the top, the guides pulled out two bottles of champagne to celebrate one couple's 10th wedding anniversary. It was quite a surprise. After trekking back down the mountain it was a short drive to Milford Sound where we will spend tonight. We stopped at the Chasm which was again spectacular. The scenery just keeps getting better and better. The accommodations tonight are a backpackers lodge. The girl's bathroom is a looong way from our room but at least it's not an outhouse and we get a shower.
Loading up the bus in Queenstown.
Queenstown.
One way bridges are frequent in New Zealand. This is one of the longest so it had traffic lights.
Hiking up to Keys Summit.
Above the tree line.
Celebrating at the top.
View from the top of the world.
We leave the mountain for a short drive through the Homer tunnel and back into the rainforest for more tramping.
The infamous Kea.
These ferns are about 20' across.
Mirror lake.
Our lunch break. It looks so peaceful BUT have I mentioned the sandflies?
Today's sunset at Milford Sound. I know, it's a tough life.
I don't know how it just manages to get more beautiful each day. WOW!!! I'm in awe and basically speechless. What a wonderful way to spend the day. It truly does appear that you are on thop of the world.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful places! Isn't God a marvelous Artist? BTW, remind us
ReplyDeleteof your ETA?
HOpe all continues to go well the remainder of your trip.
I'm thinking you're on top of the bottom of the world. :-)