LAST DAY IN WANAKA

LAST DAY IN WANAKA

Wanaka has been a wonderful place to visit, for sure. The South Island Alps, with their magnificent peaks, countless glaciers, beautiful weather and blue lakes has been an awesome destination. There is much that we did not do that could have been done if we had the time and money. We have never seen so many Sheep and Deer in one place!

At one time, this was a boom-country, full of gold miners, diggers and panners looking for their fortune. It was estimated that there were as many as 10,000 of them, from all over the world. Tons of gold was taken from this land in the 1800's. one fellow told me the first men to discover the gold just picked it up off the ground and filled their wheel barrows! I can't really imagine that! I'm certain that story has stretched a bit over the years (like the big one that got away)! But I wouldn't mind having a Wheel Barrow full of gold!

Today was our final day in Wanaka. We needed to return our rental car by 1:00 PM, so we stayed close to town today. We drove around a bit and took in some shopping. We ate lunch at the WATERHOUSE. It had been recommended. Although the place was nearly empty, the food was very good! Debby had chicken and fries from the kid's menu; Nancy had the Salmon dinner (it looked very good): Ron had a beef steak with a rib bone attached to the side of it, making it look like a flag, or something; while I had the Venison BBQ Burger with green tomatoes, smoked cheese, Jalapeño Chutney and fries! Yum!!

We stopped in a couple of shops and bought a few necessary souvenirs downtown. We stopped in a "Made in NZ" store and looked over their sweaters, hats and stuff. I was especially intrigued by the items made from Possum hair and Marino wool. The lady brought out a Possum fur rug about the size of a placemat and had me feel its warmth. It was indeed warm to the touch! She said by blending the two together, it made the sweater (or hat, or socks or shawl) about 40% warmer. So the next time you all run over a Possum, consider what you can make out of it before you leave it dead on the road!

We returned to the condo where Nancy dropped us off. She and Debby returned the rental car while Ron and I hit the hot tub for a while. Then we took a little nap while the girls walked the 2.5k back to the condo! Yes! We are watching out for them!

We ate our evening meal in our condo, trying to empty our refrigerator before we leave. We need to pack our suitcases and be ready to meet our bus to Queenstown in the morning at 0700. They were so nice to swing by our condo and pick us up!

We are sorry that our Australian friends, Richard and Jan, were not able to meet us here in Wanaka to spend the week together. They would have been an added blessing to a blessed vacation! The four of us stayed with them a few days in their home a few years ago and really enjoyed our time with them. I've known Richard since 1970 from my R & R to Sydney from Viet Nam. His family was like a second family to me. Jan's brother, David is terminally ill and needed to cancel their trip to NZ. We completely understand. Under the circumstances, any of us would have done the same. Our prayers are with David and his family.

As for Richard and Jan: whether in this life or the next, we hope to see you again!

Tomorrow we will end our day in Christchurch, NZ, The Lord willing!