NZ showcased a different side of its personality (jazz hands!) today on the drive from the east coast over the Southern Alps to the west coast. We drove through Arthur's Pass National Park on the highway that cuts through the spine of the mountains.
With the ridges looming in the distance, we pulled into a roadside snack shack, why because it assured us on its sign that it had "yummy homemade food." Yes, the food was very yummy but that aside, we became concerned when patrons kept walking in wearing down jackets and woolen hats. Was this another Donner's? Were J and I ill-prepared for these mountain switchbacks? Is my possum hat going to cut it? No worries. NZ is tourist-ready. You can drive coast to coast and get your rocky mountain high.
We even had a lucky encounter with a New Zealand Kea, the iconic alpine parrot. Okay, so it wasn't so lucky. In spite of signs pleading with tourists not to feed the birds, they do and the Keas parade their cheeky selves around for their very own "yummy homemade food."
NZ showcased a different side of its personality (jazz hands!) today on the drive from the east coast over the Southern Alps to the west coast. We drove through Arthur's Pass National Park on the highway that cuts through the spine of the mountains.
2 comments:
Julian -- I remember cycling from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur's Pass many years ago. Those southern Alps are not to be missed. I can imagine that you would have enjoyed that trip on two wheels. Certainly sounds like you're enjoying it on four wheels!
Beth R.
Hmm, I vaguely remember doing something on one of those bicycle things once. Right now, I'm busy getting outta shape, but, yeah, we're having a great time.
I have seen a couple of very fit looking cyclists on the alpine road over Arthur's Pass, but had to drive very carefully in order to avoid running them off the road with my bulky campervan. I'm also told that the keas have now become so pesky that they eat car tires and motorcycle seats. A bike tire might extra appealing...
Post a Comment