Madness, bridge jumpers

 January 20th

Heard Moreporks last night, several and quite close by. No point in rushing out to see if we could find them, too well hidden and much too dark. We heard Kea's as well, not here at Pleasant Flats, I just forgot to mention when we were at Fox Glacier, 3 flew over head squeaking away but didn't land. I'm still hoping for a sighting when we get to Homer Tunnel at Milford Sound and a possible encounter at the car park.

Having dashed to the loo at some silly o'clock, I dashed back to get the camera. What a sight to be greeted with just on first light.

 

Early away this morning, decided to have breakfast at Thunder Creek Falls. Not a soul about even the SH6 had hardly any traffic. Tea and breakfast complete it was but a short walk to the viewing platform. Next stop was to see Fantail Falls, further along the highway. Another empty car park and a slightly longer walk. Both were tame compared to our last visit in Jan 2020. Rain was our plight then and rivers in spate  showing those falls to their best advantage.

Thunder Creek Falls

Fantail Falls

The drive to Lake Wanaka had all the views and interest one would wish for. Most noticeably though was how brown everywhere was. Rain obviously hasn't fallen for quite a while and for the first time since arriving at either of the islands, the beware fire risk sign was on extreme.

 Lake Wanaka viewpoint

Arriving at Wanaka gosh how it has changed. So much new build going on, mainly industrial we hardly recognised the place. It does now have a Liquid Laundrette, got the washing done within an hour, and it had showers by the Caltex Garage with a charge of $5 for 5 minutes. Lovely and big cubicles just right for the sharing. 

Not just us that got a wash. There was another new addition to the town, a huge vehicle and dog wash bays. After all that dust accumulated over the Toy yesterday, Ian paid $4 for a jet wash all around. 

We drove down to the lake front, struggled to find a parking spot it was that busy. Luckily one pulled out and we grabbed it quick. Here I went for a paddle to cool off my feet. Those sandflies always target my feet and ankles and the bites on them itch something awful. Lovely to feel that itching instantly disappear in the cold water. I have decided to wear socks with my sandals! Not the done thing out here in New Zealand. Marilyn & David Waka Huia  know exactly who is a Kiwi and who are foreigners, according to Marilyn, us Brits are renowned for the sock and sandal combination! It has to be done, though, I can't bare any more bites, the buggers always find those bits not covered by anti bug spray! 

There is a place just outside of town that welcome campers. Run by the council, the charge is $7 each per night. To get to it, we crossed one of those single land bridges, this one was operated by traffic lights. Whilst waiting I was alarmed to see young lads and girls getting ready to jump off the bridge into the river below, and an adult appeared to be encouraging them...how stupid was that!!! That camp ground was right by that bridge so as soon as the awning was out, I went toward the river to capture those idiots

Gosh nearly on top of those two swimmers!

I put the camera on burst to capture the next jumper.

I had seen enough. Totally reckless but I'm sure as locals this had been done many times before. So back to the Toy, chairs out, beer cooling nicely in the fridge and no sand flies to spoil the moment. Yippee.

Those yellow and blue towels give us away.

Camp ground.