New Zealand – Lake Coleridge or not!

I took a look at my map and decided I would do a two hour walk but found myself sidetracked by an arboretum just north of the power station.

Lake Coleridge is deep lake high in the Mountains, it had no natural outflow so of course it makes a great source for hydro power. As I said I discovered an arboretum and thought I could walk up to the lake from there. So I set off in the trees, there was a man meditating on a bench as I entered, all very odd, I picked up my pace and started to climb. It was quite steep and my heart was hammering in a very short space of time. The trail left the Arboretum and into a man-made clearing. Up and up it went then through pine woods where the needles made it slippery.

Here I was joined by a little bird that I’ve seen quite often a fantail or pīwakawaka. It reminded me of a robin in its lack of fear and a fly catcher for it acrobatics.

Anyway I carried on my climb but after an hour I came out of the trees and still no Lake. So I turned around and went back to my car. I decided to drive up! It was quite a way and on an unsealed road. I’m traveling carefully driving Miss Daisy when a 4×4 hurtles down the hill spraying gravel and dust in all directions. God mad drivers here!

I found the lake!

If that wasn’t enough exercise I then drove to Christchurch for some dancing. I was a bit concerned as I didn’t bring any dancing clothes apart from my shoes but as everyone is so casual I went as I was. It was great, an even split between the sexes which meant I had loads of dances. Very welcome attention that didn’t bite! Although if anyone had tried I’m very adept at slapping biting creatures by now!