NEWS # 047
Hi everyone!
The next day, Thursday, I'm up early, to head off in search of surf. When I
arrive at Black Head Bay, there are already several cars in the carpark and
people in the water. I have a feeling that I will be a little cold as I see
guys putting on thick suits, boots, gloves and hats. As I change into my
thin suit and reef boots the guys think that I'm crazy. Daniel, from
Christchurch, has lent me some gloves and I squeeze my hands in.
They are a
little small but much better than nothing.
Blackhead Bay, solid 5 feet
Blackhead Bay, solid 5 feet
I walk down to the beach and ask the guys where I should paddle out. They
indicate a gap in the rocks and tell me not to get caught by a set. As I
paddle out, a large set arrives and my duck diving skills are tested to the
limit. I get icecream headaches as I duck under the next ten waves but am
thankfully soon outside. The surf is not huge and is about 4 to 5 feet but
the shape is excellent and plenty of waves get ridden. I get out, not able
to feel my feet, after about an hour and a half. I look comical in the
carpark, trying to get out of my suit as I discover that I cannot feel my
hands either!
I then head back to Dunedin and drive out to the end of the peninsula, to
see the albatross breeding grounds. Later that evening, I meet up with the
girls again and we go out for a few beers. As they have agreed to put me up
again, I say that I will be the driver for the night. Dunedin is a
university town and the first pub is heaving with students, all dressed as
schoolgirls. I wish that I hadn't agreed to drive! Eventually, by 3.30 am, I
can take it no longer and head for home. I'm not sure when the girls get
back.
Friday and I'm off to Queenstown, for the Winter Festival. I have breakfast
with the girls and then drop them back in town, to pick up their cars. We
shall meet up again at the weekend, in Queenstown. We say our goodbyes and
then I head off north again, following the coastline. Once again, I wish
that I had a good map as I go off in search of Murdering Bay, which has a
reputation for excellent surf.
I travel for miles only to arrive at a locked
gate once again.
Dunedin local, more big teeth!
After Palmerston, I follow Highway 85 away from the coast, towards Cromwell
and Queenstown. The views are magnificent and make the journey seem quite
quick despite the fact that I will be in the car for several hours.
Eventually, I arrive in Cromwell and then head towards Queenstown along the
Karawau Gorge. The gorge is filled with vineyards but I resist the
temptation. I eventually arrive at the Karawau Bridge, the site of A J
Hackett's original bungey operation, just in time to see another unfortunate
launch himself off the bridge. The site is very picturesque and I consider
another jump as it's not very high, at 43 metres.
The cost puts me off and I
feel I've done enough already.
the original bungey site, Karawall Bridge
I continue on towards Queenstown and arrive some thirty minutes later. The
town is heaving with people, all here for the Festival and I'm hard pushed
to find a parking spot. I do, eventually and then head to The Last Resort,
my accommodation for the next nine days. Jeff, who runs the hostel and the
rest of the crew seem nice and I settle in for the night.
Saturday, I get up early and get myself a lift pass and gear for the
weekend. I drive up to Coronet Peak and spend the next couple of days
re-aquainting myself with the skills of snowboarding. I have a few falls but
nothing serious. I am on the slopes from the moment the slopes open until
I'm thrown off at the end of the day and soon feel more settled. In the
evenings, I meet up with the Deco crew of Ian, Jon, Al, Andy, Justin, Ash,
Nick, Emi and all. We have the odd beer in Winnie's and I'm still amazed when
they open the roof when the place gets too hot. Queenstown is much busier
than before and the world seems to have arrived to party.
On Monday, I go to Green Toad and get my snowboard for the week. A million
thanks to John who gives me what seem to be the best hire board and boots
that I've ever seen. It makes all the difference to my riding and it's nice
for the board to turn when I want it to, rather than the other way round!
I join up with Ian and Emi and we head off to The Remarks, for some
excellent boarding and skiing. Both Ian and Emi are much better than me and
my skills are pushed to the limits as we go down many trails that I would
have never tried on my own.
At one point we head down what we think is a blue trail, which suddenly
becomes very rocky. We then meet two guys walking towards us who explain
that it's way too steep for them around the corner. As we traverse around we
come to a rather steep slope with a group of people at the bottom. We wonder
what they are doing, until the helicopter arrives and one of their number is
stretchered off! We feel a little aprehensive but all make our way down the
slope, without too much trouble. We have a fantastic day and are on the
slopes for hours. Later it's back to Winnie's again.
Seeya,
Halesy