Tuesday 11th Before leaving Stratford I have to drive up the mountain to inspect the set up for skiing. The summit is once again shrouded in cloud but the base of the cloud is just above the car park for the ski fields so we get a good view out accross the countryside around the base of the mountain. You have to be fit to ski here as the carpark is along hike from the bottom of the lifts. The whole mountain is a National Park. It is a very similar shape to Mount Fujiama in Japan. Classic snow capped volanic cone. Very striking. The lower slopes are covered in dense bush and quite exotic. Am told there are wild Kiwi here. We stop at Wanganui for a coffee on the road to Martinborough. The road takes us through the gorge between the Taraua Range and the Ruahire Range. Very steep sidedand very windy road built on the side of the gorge on concrete platforms in places with sheer drops from the side of the road down to the river in the bottom of the gorge. M is in the passengers seat next to the edge. Very white knuckled!!. Manage to pick up a speeding ticket despite having been warned by all my friends who have experience of driving in NZ. The fuzz where driving towards me at the time but still managed to clock me at 74 in a 50 limit. Issued a fixed penalty ticket but have 28 days to pay. Guess what!!. Arrive at Jonty and Mary's house at tea time (Gin o'clock by M's watch). they have the most wonderful homestead house with views to die for.
Have to close for now as I am in a publis library and some people want to get on the computer. Talk to you later.