Blaine and I decided we would take a drive and a day hike down to Peel Forest last Saturday. It was a beautiful drive through the Rakaia Gorge past snow-capped mountains to an area where several scenes of Lord of the Rings was filmed. Peel Forest is an "off the beaten path" forest with some great hikes. We stopped at the visitor's center/post office/grocery store/coffee shop (we WERE in the middle of no where) to get info/suggestions on a good day hike. They suggested Emily Falls which was only 1 1/2 hours. We had lunch by a little stream and then made the ascent through the forest, stopping for some beautiful overlooks. It is so nice to get out of the city and noise into the quiet wilderness with bellbirds chirping and clean air. We also took a short hike to a 1,000 year Totara tree (pic above). We plan on going back to do some longer hikes and camp out as well. We came back that night for a birthday party for our British friend Andy; we had steaks and went and danced to an Irish band--such fun!
sidenote: 3 weeks until I come home!!!!
8 comments:
Now we have a new place to see when we come back to NZ!
Mom Totty
Nice pictures! Just wanted to let you know that Ellie (I think this is right?) Vickery was welcomed into the world on June 8! She was a couple of weeks early.
meri-thanks for the update, i checked their blog and saw pics. she is so cute! tried to call y'all today, would love to catch up soon!
That is the biggest tree ever! I'm so glad I got to talk to you on Sunday. Can't wait to see you at the beeeeech!!!
ME NEITHER!!! I will be the only Kiwi to come back and have a tan in dead winter!
that last picture looks like a postcard!! so pretty!
I am using Stephen's wireless laptop. Enjoyed your pictures & remarks. WOW what an outdoor party! You'll have to have one for us when you get back.
Enjoyed the Memphis Zoo with the family today and breakfast out at IHOP [compliments of Dee Dee, of course]. Janie, Blaine, Elizabeth, Stephen, and Maggie all came in last night for Fathers Day and what a GREAT ONE to celebrate for.
Love you both. B/D package on the way for 6/25.
Grandmother
I love the photos guys! I need to check your blog more often. (sigh) Only is I had a job in NZ.
Post a Comment