John Cornhill

wed29 train day return to Arthurs Pass 737m above sea level = saddle in middle of mountain range thru centre of south island. scenery from train going along plains then thru valleys, gorges, edges of mountainsides thru tunnels over viaducts 70+ metres over rivers more ughs but absolutely fantastic journey. commentary too from conductor including piece about sheep and merinho wool and how they have recently developed a yarn from a mix of merihno wool and possum fur that is soft and warm. meant but forgot to ask conductor surely possums really upset at having their fur shaved off. arrived Arthurs Pass village raining, horizontal wind and rain, cold a very rugged place rains 50% of the time. had good look in visitors building very good but still raining so went out anyway did part Avalanche Peak Track where torrent of water pouring down track which was more of a climb mostly 30 degrees up then did Waterfall Viewpoint Walk short and nice then other side of village to 2 more walks, well, did I get wet? had to jump accross straggly angry streams, cross dodgy swing bridges over raging torrents and withstand 100mph wind and rain just to get to start of walks. on way found myself behind group of about 30 schoolkids (10?). they had to keep stopping to count them to see if any had got swept away so I took a different route at the first opportunity and went up the Devils Punchbowl path to viewpoint at base of spectacular waterfall where water was turning to mist and rising back up and strong gusts of wind were blowing the whole waterfall off course - the viewing platform was permanently swept by mist so it was too wet to eat my current buns even. next did the Bridal Veil Track thru willow woods then alpine pine forest ever upwards wonderful views down and accross valleys. then to the Wobbly Kea for a pot of tea, dried out a bit, chatted with Allen from Hereford just arrived driven from Mt Cook. then train back seeing views from opposite dir'n back to Christchurch 6.30 walked into centre of city. Interestingly saw tram setting off that was a restaurant - 'dine as you tram' around city. I went to Warners in Cathedral Sq had excellent lamb steaks mash pot veg weather here warm and fine so this was a very pleasant evening; on 1 hour walk back to camper went thru botanical gardens saw the 'Albert Edward Oak' first tree in park planted 1863 to commemorate marraige of prince of wales to Alexandra daughter of king of Denmark. Albert became Edward VII and she Queen Alexandra = QEII great grandparents someone tell me if im wrong.

Thurs 30 Nov a lie in then shopping in the Warehouse again incl 3 more warm shirts at 3 pounds each then drove northwards back to Kaikoura raining and windy all day camper van blowing all over the road again,. sat in it and read book when arrived John Grisham, Jury, very good. there's a second hand bookshop here where I bought it and can sell back and get another while here. All the Best, John