Day Eighteen

So I opted for the short drive to Queenstown today and I think it was a good decision. The ride across Crown Range Rd was beautiful but I didn’t see too much of it as the road was crazy steep, filled with sharp turns (ie. speed limits of 15km/hr.) I couldn’t imagine biking down that mountain with a fully loaded bicycle. There’s no way you could stop!

Anyway, once I arrived in Queenstown, I had to take care of some “official” business – like getting a box for my bike. I wanted to get that out of the way while I still had a car to transport said box. Getting the box turned out to be very easy as was dropping it off at my final night’s accommodation.

So with that taken care of, I was free to come up with a plan for what was left of the afternoon. I wandered up to the Gondola just up the road – apparently I could take the Gondola up the mountain for “just” $26 or I could climb the mountain. So what started as a leisurely walk to see the Gondola turned into a 50 minute mountain climbing hike – I guess I should’ve brought water with me after all :(

Once at the top I got to see a paragliding launch (which was pretty much why I wanted to go up the mountain in the first place.), and of course stunning views.

When I got to the bottom again I wandered into the Town Centre and ended up getting fish and chips at PJ’s – which was probably a good idea since my only other thought for dinner was a bagel and some peanut butter that I still have leftover in the car. Did I mention I’m pretty sure I’m not gaining any weight on this trip?

Not sure what’s happening tomorrow other than returning the rental car first thing in the morning (total km logged in the car was about 1,700).

Oh, and for what it’s worth I think I’ve only taken 1,500 photos so far – that’s less than the 100/day I usually take :)