Arthur's Pass

We have arrived at a glorious wilderness lodge in the middle of the NZ alps. Our cottage is nestled in the trees and overlooks spectacular glacier topped mountains. Notice the reflection in the window.


And the view...



We began our journey south, after leaving Backroads, by car. Our first night was in Martinborough. Then on to Wellington where we joined the crowds on the harbor as they celebrated Waitangi Day-the national holiday celebrating the 1840 treaty between the settlers and the Maori chiefs.





Tuesday was a mega travel day. First the ferry across Cook Strait to Picton:


A similar (but smaller) ferry, not ours...


With a very comfortable lounge.


Next we caught the trans alpine train for a 5 hour ride to Christchurch also known as chch. We played a good deal of bridge and enjoyed spectacular scenery.






We took a little spin around chch this morning viewing some of the 2000 buildings destroyed in the two earthquakes and took the early train here to Arthur's Pass with more spectacular views. Please notice the blue sky!










Tonight is a visit to the sheep corral for watching the dogs herd some of the 3500 sheep grazing here, watch sheep shearing (small cut on the poor sheep), dinner with the 7 other guests in residence and a viewing of the southern sky complete with full moon. Tomorrow, hikes!

Weather remains remarkable...