Crikey is that a logging truck in the distance?

Camping in a dark sky area we just had to set the alarm for 3am. Looked very promising with clear skies as we departed for bed, and at 3 am we were not disappointed An amazing sight and I did try to take a photo. Unfortunately, I could not get my camera to work even though I had looked up the settings. Must be because it is a bridge camera and not a DSLR. Anyway, Ian saw a shooting star, We had gone back to bed but left the skylight blind pulled back. I had long gone back to the land of nod.

Such a lazy start this morning. We couldn't decide where to go. Lake Tekapo was on the list but first I happened to see another road leading towards Mt Cook but on the other side of Lake Tasman. Another gravel road but so much nicer to travel on. None of those nasty ridges! The views...wow.

 This gravel road was also the main logging track. A warning sign at the start said logging trucks work between 6am and 6 pm Mon to Fri and passing places were few and far between. Ah, looks like one was on the way. At least all that dust gave us ample warning.

Another stunning view once again.

Halfway along and we came to a sudden stop. It was either that or plough into a Bullock! We tried getting past and every time we drew level off it galloped again. Crawled along for at least half a km before it eventually allowed us past. Anyway, after 39km, we could go no further the end of the track had arrived.

 And there in the distance was Mt Cook.

 A 10 km Tasman river walk looked very inviting so after lunch, we set off. Probably did no more than 2km when a very ominous looking cloud appeared to be heading our way. That stopped the walk, did no more than turn around and leg it back to RP. Did it rain? Did it 'eck!

Back along that gravel track and eventually found a left turn towards Tekapo. Another gravel road and it was a good 25km before we eventually hit tarmac road again.

Tekapo has changed in the three years since we were last there. Lots of new buildings had sprung up regeneration seems to be on going.

There is no freedom camping allowed in the Tekapo region. What there is, is a private campsite a bit like the DOC sites but also allows caravans to stay annually. About 36 places had been reserved for visiting camper vans and motorhomes with a small charge of $10 pp. Right by Lake McGregor, it seemed very peaceful and quiet until about an hour later when vans and cars seemed to arrive on mass. What you get here is a long drop loo but no toilet paper, non-potable water and a small camp kitchen. Not to bad for the price. The views were good until those other vehicles arrived..

And lots of wildlife.

These Deer legged it as soon as they saw us. Shooting Deer is very big in New Zealand

This Cormorant was safe though!

Loved the colour of the bark