JFD1

These three pictures were taken of terrain around Lake Wakatipu from the same spot. I’m told that this lake is 35 miles long and 1400 feet deep; that it, like many other of the huge lakes I’ve seen, is fed by glacial run-off. The crystal clear water gets it’s rich, aqua-green color from minerals that are finely ground by the movement of the glaciers. While it is fresh water, it has the look of tropical sea water.

The view from my room out over Queenstown and the lake.

Queenstown from halfway down the mountain!

Wanaka was a great chance to recharge. The glider lessons were intense so after a good nights sleep, I played some golf and then hit the road.

The trip up over the mountain pass was remarkable. Upon cresting, this picture tries to capture the remarkable view down to Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

This is a view out of my room in Wanaka and, the way I’m currently feeling, I think I may never leave!

This is Lake Wanaka as viewed from the city of Wanaka.

It’s been 5 days and I have only made it from Christchurch to Wanaka. I drove from Omarama to Wanaka today and this town is beautiful. It is the most modern city I have been in. It’s not big (5000 people maybe) but touristy with fairly modern stuff. I’m in the most modern hotel I have been in the whole trip. I need it too.

I had no idea how much work glider flying really was soe the 4 days I spent at it really exhausted me. I am truly looking forward to a hot bath and to sit for a while!

Before leaving Omarama where I was taking gliding lessons, I had to shoot a few photos of the campsite near the airport. These “Caravan” trailers are everywhere; being towed and in campgrounds. I don’t know in which year these beauts were made, but it sure feels like a step back in time to see a sight like this.

A tow plane/glider take off. That’s what I did today…take off! After flying today I wrapped things up and headed out on my travels towards Queenstown. I got as far as Wanaka and out of shear exhaustion, I rented a room and settled in for the night.

One of the many beautiful things I have seen while soaring the New Zealand skies…in the distance you can see Mt Cook, the highest point in NZ. Still, all covered with snow and, in reality, while it is 50K away, it is a short flight for the proficient and skilled glider pilot.

These guys around here get towed to 2,000 feet off the ground and find a way to stay aloft for hours and hours. Daily, they fly 400 miles with nothing more then a couple thousand foot lift. It’s amazing!!!!!