Wandering on Kelvin Peninsula

We are back in our southern paradise. 

Autumn is just beginning.

The days are clear and calm. 

It is a perfect day for a walk with Anne.

Come, walk with us.

On my way...

I am leaving this beautiful place for a while.

…  as I leave 'I feel my spirit called like a stirring deep within,

restless, ’til I live again beyond the fears that close me in!'

Walking and motorcycling give me time to ponder, challenges to surmount and immense joy.

On Sunday Emma and Mark Wilson sang the Galilee song at St Peter's in Queenstown.

Deep within my heart, I feel voices whispering to me.
Words that I can’t understand; Meanings I can’t clearly hear!
Calling me to follow close, lest I leave myself behind!
Calling me to walk into evening shadows one more time!

So I leave my boats behind!
Leave them on familiar shores!
Set my heart upon the deep!
Follow you again, my Lord!

In my memories, I know how you send familiar rains
falling gently on my days, dancing patterns on my pain!
And I need to learn once more in the fortress of my mind,
to believe in falling rain as I travel deserts dry!

So I leave my boats behind!
Leave them on familiar shores!
Set my heart upon the deep!
Follow you again, my Lord!

As I gaze into the night down the future of my years,
I’m not sure I want to walk past horizons that I know!
But I feel my spirit called like a stirring deep within,
restless, ’til I live again beyond the fears that close me in!

So I leave my boats behind!
Leave them on familiar shores!
Set my heart upon the deep!
Follow you again, my Lord!

Composer: Frank Andersen

Colours of the Lake

Anne and I are walking the trail in the morning.

The pictures tell the story of another perfect Queenstown day.

Come, walk with me.

 It snowed yesterday.

 The Remarkables from the Kawarau River Bridge

 The Kawarau river outlet form Lake Wakatipu.

Frankton Arm Walking track - Kelvin Peninsula

Another lovely Queenstown day.

I have a late afternoon rendezvous with Anne. We plan to walk the Kelvin Peninsula track where we first met.
It is one of our favourite walks.
A lively conversation is guaranteed.

Come, walk with me.

A walk, a gondola, a chairlift and fast rides...

I have been wondering whether my motorcycling adventures would enhance my luge riding skills.
Today is a perfect day to find out.
A picture perfect day.

Let the pictures tell the story.

I have company and it is time for Fi and me to head up the hill to the Skyline luge.

Come, walk with me.

Once is not enough…

In the fast lane

                                            Photo: Fi White

Lake Sylvan Track

We are on our way to Glenorchy and beyond to the Lake Sylvan Track which is near the Routeburn Road.

The scenes from the road along Lake Wakatipu are exhilarating.

There is fresh snow on the mountains. Lake Wakatipu is wearing her new colours.

The sun has come out and Fi and I are using our smart phones as cameras as we set off for a walking adventure.

Come, walk with us.

 Photo: Fi White

The Lake Sylvan walk begins with a river crossing.
Don't worry the swing bridge will ensure your feet are dry.

 The track meanders through sun-dappled red beech forest.

 It is a well formed track, but...

 Recent rain has left large puddles to cross...

 We use the wood blocks as stepping stones...

 and climb over the fallen tree trunk. Fi shows how to do gracefully accomplish this feat.

 We can hear a stream somewhere near as the track takes us through regenerating forest...

 to Lake Sylvan.

 Manuka flowers at the lake's edge.

  We follow the track back to the road end...

and we meet Marie who is researching the cave weta in the Wakatipu basin.  She is visiting the weta 'motels' in this location and gathering data on cave weta distribution among other things. Such a treat to talk with a scientist in the field.

 We walk through lush green mossed areas as  we near the swing bridge that takes us to...

 a welcoming party.

Thanks for these 2 photos, Fi.

A warm chicken salad and a cuppa at the Glenorchy cafe is a very welcome conclusion to this walk.