Morning in Kingston From Gore we drove up through Northern Southland, stopping at Riversdale for lunch and a rummage in the second hand shop We carried on and spent the night beside the bottom of Lake Wakatipu at Kingston. In the morning we woke to snow on the hills, tho it was beautiful and sunny, and we watched a huge boat being offloaded into the lake, admiring the skills of the truck driver, and then onto Queenstown.
We were meant to be leaving today Where we arrived in time to celebrate Mary's first lunch for her huge 60th celebration! The afternoon was a relaxing one spent at the Frankton shopping area. On our way back into Queenstown we noticed a huge amount of smoke over the township the cause being the World Bar and a Pizza shop below on fire! We had missed seeing all the flames etc but this is a huge blow for the township coming into the ski season. Saturday morning we headed for Arrowtown to watch Max playing ripper rugby and he scored his first try which was sooooooooo exciting. After rugby we came back into Q'town and lunch at Cafe 111 (Johnnys sisters cafe) and all the extended family were there so special. Tha night we went to the final night of 'Chicago' staring Jacqui Ennis (my niece) in her first musical show, it was fantastic and of course I was so proud. Sunday saw the 3rd of Mary's birthday lunches at her friend Rhona's place at Kelvin Heights. Was again so much fun, then it was getting ready for the big 'Glitz and Glamour Party' the finale for the 60th. Was a terrific party and it was great to catch up on her friends that we haven't seen for some time. All and all a great weekend which ended with snow falling on Tuesday to make the resort look stunning. We finally left on Wednesday morning heading for Bannockburn and some quiet time!
Under 7 Upper Clutha Rams Ripper Rugby team
Our view of the Carrick range from Bannockburn We spent 2 nights in Bannockburn, did a walking tour around the local area and then in the car to go further - It has some amazing new houses and views. We also spent some time exploring the old gold mining areas in the surrounding hills
Ruins of an old miners hut
The old mine
View back over Lake Dunstan
Beside lake Dunstan
