Lover's Leap and Larnach

Jan 9

Today we had a relaxed morning, including my trying out the outdoor bathtub! It was wonderfully relaxing to lie in lovely warm water while feeling the cool breezes on my arms and face, and enjoying the view. I got a wee bit rosy from all that sun exposure, however, so will have to be careful the rest of this week to cover up and wear sunscreen! (see pic on previous post)

This afternoon we drove along the ridge road of the penninsula out to a point called Lover's Leap. At first it seems benign, as you tramp across green fields, accompanied by complacent sheep, towards a small wooden enclosure on the edge of the field. As you step into this enclosure, however, suddenly there is an enormous dropoff cliff with surging surf about 250 feet below! Yikes! Very dramatic scenery around here.



We retreated from the edge and drove to nearby Larnach Castle, built by a banker/politician in the late 1800's and now a private estate but open to the public. It has a beautiful and varied garden, including traditional English formal elements and native plants. They even serve a traditional cream tea, complete with scones, jam, and cream, which we enjoyed in the courtyard outside the ballroom. Very civilized!

Another local garden to visit tomorrow, then we are off early Wednesday for the four-hour drive to Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu, where the retreat of the people of Rohan to Helm's Deep (Lord of the Rings:The Two Towers) was filmed. Oh, and there's a famous aerodrome somewhere nearby there, too, apparently--something for each of us! We'll be away overnight with no internet access, so don't let the gap in contact worry those who are following along every day!

Our hosts here have offered the use of their broadband access in the house, so I hope to upload some new photos soon--stay tuned.