WANAKA WITH THE WARDS

January 5-7, 2017

We packed a few things to spend a couple of days with the Wards.

They were camping from Tuesday to Saturday at Lake Wanaka Holiday Park. We, on the other hand, would be “camping” at Lake Wanaka Lodge, a small Japanese B&B-like hotel we stayed at last time we visited Wanaka as part of touring the west side of the south island.

Traveling into central Otago you don’t see the lush green forests or beautiful beaches characteristic of the west side of the island—or even south from Dunedin, or north as far as Oamaru.

The landscape is drier, warmer. But, hey, the sheep don’t seem to mind.

We waited 20 minutes or so for the ranchers and their trusty dogs to herd these sheep across the road.

It was interesting watching how meticulously the dogs headed the sheep, turning them, barking commands to startle the mutton chops to get in line, get through the gate, and take to the pasture.

Though less green than in other areas of South NZ, there are pretty places to take time at in Central Otago. The reservoir, just outside of Cromwell, is a perfect example.

 Looks fun, but I’m guessing the goose bumps on your skin would stand up about an inch because of how cold the water is.

So I seem to have lost my place. Where were we going?

Ah yes . . . Wanaka!

We got to the Ward’s campsite.

It was much different that I had imagined. It is only partially like it's advertised. In the advertisement it shows the campsites green with trees all around lining the lake. At least this is what they hope to convey. The real story is that the camp sites are located in dry, arid, dusty areas a good walk away from the lake: a complex of dirt roads converging into the large car park at the side of the lake, the east end of which is the launch for the boats.

Though hard to see from the top of the biking hub, everyone camping down there must be nuts for the water, or for the dusty bike trails, or for just getting away from their city lives to sit under their sun shelters or out at a picnic table eating their gritty lunch from dust whipped up by the stronger breezes that seem to blow most the time. 

When we arrived it was pleasant: 67 degrees, a breeze, and partly cloudy.

(What's that? I'm a camp snob?)

Now in fairness, though my first impression was less than appealing, we had a good time. No mosquitoes. No bees to speak of. (Just the huge bubble bees I will not mention.) Nothing to irritate you. Even the dust and wind didn't bother me once I got used to the taste.

While the older folks sat around talking in camp, the younger folk hit the dirt trails constantly. 

Most times, the kids rode "The Mermaid" trail. Not sure why it was called that. It seems that a better name would be "Stumpy." There reason? There were stumps sticking up through the ground at various points on the path. You needed to be careful to go around them, or you'd end up on the ground--like June found out.

We found the grassy area down by the lake, as advertised.

It was even better than advertised, given the company we found there.

It’s probably 50 feet across and 20 feet wide, the grassy area that is.

And though the plant-life around the campsites was less than lush, we enjoyed sitting in our dusty chairs, eating carrots and fruit, and talking about whatever came to mind.

The next morning we decided to leave camp to go into Wanaka. We took time to play at the city park, to bury Joseph in the sandy rubble,

to spend time along the beach,

and to buy gelato for lunch.

While there we watched Josh Brunt practice sailing his bic in preparation for the regatta on Saturday.

Watching him strain to loose and tighten the riggings on his bic to steer where he wanted to go, gave me a greater appreciation of his talent and what it takes to sail.

Coming back to camp, Bea and the girls and I went for a walk. Our walk took us down to some overgrowth that created a barrier between us and the lake. But we bent and broke bush branches to make our way through. On the other side by the lake we found some priceless real estate.

This is where we should have been camping.

Beautiful, ya?

That night we ate a variety of pizzas prepared on large flat grills, served to perfection—(except the last one that got burned on the bottom).

Although I’m not sure they measured up to what Watson preferred chewing on.

The next day we spent the biggest part of the morning breaking camp. We then decided to walk up to the bike hub that lay above us.

It was interesting to see how many bike trails there were to challenge bikers of all skill and ages.

The trail was steep in places, but doable. At the top was a view that made the effort worth it.

Getting back from the bike trails, we made last minute preparations, then drove back to Dunedin. 

On the way, we stopped at a Tai / Kiwi cafe in good ole’ Roxburgh. 

The rest was welcome. 

The food was good. 

Notwithstanding all the great memories we had made, all we wanted now was a hot shower, clean jammies, and a comfortable bed. 

All three and more were waiting for us in Dunedin.

Loving our mission,

Elder and Sister Ward