I woke up in a panic about three times last night. I did NOT want to miss the sunrise over the Remarkables. I have a pretty room in Queenstown where I look out over the lake towards the East. At 5:30am I saw the light start to peek over the peaks, scattered clouds tinged pink. Birds started singing. I got up, took some photos, left the door strewn open and jumped back into my warm bed.
I did have a moment where I thought ‘this would be a magical place to wake up and snuggle in next to someone for an hour or so before starting the day.” Then I snuggled down anyway and enjoyed the view, crisp air drifting into my room. Why dwell on things that are not present when you can simply enjoy the moment for what it is, straight up NZ magic.
Today saw me jet boat with the wedding party (Jac and Dane!!! Much excitement for Saturday!!!) and my friend and colleague Caroline. We skimmed about on the Shotover river after learning a bit about the local area. It was wet, it was a little hairy around the rocks, it was very much fun!
Ferg burger for lunch. They may have been the best fries I’ve eaten in my life.
Caroline and I separated from the bunch as we went Canyon swinging this afternoon. I managed to slide it in between Jet boating, which seems like a reasonable activity, and Japanese hot tubbing. I don’t think she really thought she was going to do it. I love that kind of stuff, heights, harnesses and plummeting. What could go wrong!?! (That’s for you Mum! x)
We got there and Caroline is in a world of emotions, tears are happening on the platform. We can go tandem and it’s all a little easier. I remember my first outdoor climbing pitch where I burst into tears due to feeling so overwhelmed with the height and the fact I was perched on the side of a mountain. Same kind of deal with being attached to a rope that you’re about to trust with your life for a couple of hundred meters.
We did it! There is video proof that we did, no one died, and it took Caroline about 4 hours to recognise the sense of accomplishment and achievement you get from throwing yourself off a cliff for no real reason. 4 hours, 1 bowl of fries, and a cider. Then we napped in the sun in the park.
Life really is glorious. I always appreciate it more when I’ve been hanging around outdoors. Particularly when I’m hanging from a 100m rope!
Happy wandering!
Hx