Mt Iron and the Clutha River

Hi again,
After taking stock of our supplies, we went out and gathered more food and a 8GB memory stick to back up the photos. We spent the morning with our new friend from the UK, lingering over coffee and chatting about our lives. We then wolfed down lunch and headed out to climb Mt Iron. Not too impressed because after the Diamond Lake Hike (and others), it was liking climbing Pilot Butte in Bend. It was up a steep gravel road with nothing interesting around until you got to the top. The view was great in terms of getting our bearings and realizing that there was much more in the area than the few blocks that you see in the village. We hiked down and then drove north along Lake Hawea--zipping down gravel country roads aimlessly. We then stopped on the Clutha River and hiked along matuka trees that are just coming into bloom with little tiny white flowers. Beautiful curving stretches of blue green water with the mountains looming over. We ran into an old Kiwi guy who gave us the most incredible tips on fishing the areas in the Mackenzie Basin--cannot wait to hit the next bit of water! We are reminded once again of the incredible generosity and kindness of the Kiwi folk. We leave tomorrow for Mt Cook with Alex in tow. We're hoping to take our lunch on the banks of Lake Pukaki and then weather permitting, get in a brief hike when we get up there. The following day we will hike out to see the Hooker Glacier and once again I will face my phobia (fear of heights) and cross a couple of suspension walking bridges. Tonight we made a fabulous chicken burrito deluxe meal and knocked down a huge bottle of pale ale, followed by several rounds of billiards and ending the night with fresh strawberries and chocolate. It feels so hopelessly decadent . . .wish us luck--we need good weather on the drive up to Mt Cook. We have been lucky and fortunate thusfar and hope it continues. Hugs and kisses, Linny