Sunday, March 2, 2008

Alexandra, NZ Sunday

Pouring rain and gale force winds in Te Anua this morning. We are so glad we did the Milford Sound trip and the trek over the last two days. I would think the track is closed today because of the weather. Our shoes are soaked from yesterday, and the room was draped with wet-weather gear. We had a great dinner of lamb and fresh NZ salmon and slept well, our last night in the Fijorland area.

Drove back through Queenstown area and out into the Central Otago. We stopped for lunch in the Gibstown Valley winery, immediately off the road and easy to find. (Everything in NZ is easy to find.) There is very little traffic and everything is well-marked and signage is easy to follow. Excellent food and excellent wines.

Stopped at the "Big Picture" for a big-screen helicoptor tour of the Otago wine district and tasting of six pinot noirs. Interesting experience, and, my favorite, was stopping at a local fruit orchard stand for fresh peaches, greengage plums, cherries, pears, and apples. All are grown here in the Otago Valley. Incredible.

Our B & B tonight is "Rocky Range" which is locally owned by a Texan and a Kiwi. Lovely couple and gorgeous facilities. Every need is accomodated graciously.

Tomorrow is for more wineries and a good hike in the rocky terrain.

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