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Winter Festival and Apres Ski!
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Arrived in Queenstown yesterday morning after a 1 hour 45 minute flight from Wellington. It has to be said, the most entertaining flight I've probably ever had too! The pilot took great delight in banking and weaving around the mountains and lakes in the South Island to give us all the best photographic opportunities. Mount Cook and it's surrounding snow capped ranges looked spectacular from the air.
After checking into the Rydges Lakeside resort, we bought ski gloves, goggles and thermal socks and pre-booked the following days ski-lesson and lift passes.This place has to be one of the most picturesque places on earth that I've personally ever visited. Lake Wakapitu sits right outside our front door and with the mountains and pine trees as a backdrop, it's pretty special.
The winter festival in Queenstown started yesterday after being delayed from Friday last week after heavy snow, to our gain really. Stood drinking mulled wine, watching the fireworks and listening to live music both outdoors and in every bar was most entertaining. Our theory of eating three square meals a day finally took it's toll yesterday and prevented us from drinking pints and buttoning our jeans so from now on, we've decided to knock starters and desserts on the head with all meals! An early night then in preparation for a stupidly early start this morning to meet with our shuttle bus up to Coronet Peak. The sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky and great visibility. Our personal ski instructor for the day - the lovely Sophie from Switzerland - quickly sorted us out with skis, boots and all the essentials for our first ever day's skiing. By lunchtime we had it sussed and were all confident enough to tackle the blue slopes (that only Franz Klammer and Eddie the Eagle would go near!).
A truly memorable day on the slopes. A few aches and pains all round (me groin, Chris shoulder and Carl knee) after some minor hiccups during the post-lesson action. I have asked if any of them are prepared to massage my groin (with or without ski gloves) but to date have had very little interest. Shame cos I thought I'd built quite a relationship with Chris after our double-bed share in Rainbow Beach! Off out on the town tonight for Apres-ski and a Chicken Caesar salad - no chips. Back on the piste tomorrow (injuries permitting!) C More thumbnails ...
Where I stayed:
Rydges Lakeside Resort
Latest Comments (1)
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Queenstown. (reply)
Jun 28, 2007 10:06 EST by pugsleyd88
Looks like you are having a shit time then?
Let's have a picture of a snowman tomorrow.
Still on the Coronas or have you all switched to a warm wine based drink?
Mark.
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