12th May Monday Oamaru to Fairlie

Route 83 was the route we took. We came across 3 dams. The first was Lake Waitaki, then Lake Aviemore and Lake Benmore. The water from these lakes was blue.

The scenery again was stunning. Saw Mount Cook in the far distance, and a whole range of mountains in front of us. We got to Lake Pukaki and decided not to drive up to Mt Cook. Instead we admired it at a distance.

We stopped along route 8 at the lookout point and had lunch and at the same time admire Mt Cook. It was beautiful. Tried taking photos, but the sun was so strong that it was hazy.

Someone had painted some to the rocks by the side of the lake, this was the best of them - a view of Mount Cook in the distance.

We the carried on to Lake Tekapo. We found the Tekapo canal and decided to follow it. The canal was long, going across 3 lakes – Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau. The driving expression from a sales lady at the airport at Christchurch was – like tearing along a perforation of a page.

The canal road was so straight and long. On our right was the Tekapo River and the left was the canal bank. The river bed was beautiful with autumn colours. The small pond by the river was so clear and we could see the bottom from where we were driving, some 300m above.

We stopped at Lake Tekapo. So did 2 bus loads of Japanese tourists. They were admiring the crab apples. Not a lot here except for a church and some shops. But the lake view with the mountain as backdrop it was a grand view.

Fairlie, named after the town first hotel owner in Ayrshire, Scotland. The camp site was small, but well kept. This was the only camp site we got get free internet. We normally had to pay NZ$2 for 20 minutes. This was why we were unable to check our mail or update this blog too often. Sorry....

It was a cold night; we had frost on the ground the next morning.

Richard went fishing by the river. Three big fish, about 6-8 lbs. One of them looked at his fly and when Richard was about to cast again, the fly got caught by the rock and the fish spooked. He did not catch anything but instead lost his sock, we had to go back the next morning to retrieve it.

It was Monday; neither of us missed work. I wished all our friend, families and likable colleagues were here to join us. We toast you with this beautiful country.