Otago Adventure : Day 3

Otago Adventure : Day 3

After a sporadic sleep in our cosy cabin we rose to an overcast day. This was a nice contrast as it gave the sounds a different vibe. Fun facts ( come on, I am a teacher after all) It is called Doubtful Sound because when Captain Cook found it from the Tasman Sea he was "doubtful' they would find their way out if they went in. And it is not even a 'sound' as a sound is carved out from water and these were carved out from glaciers. Last  fact, there is no soil, so the trees and plants are hanging onto the hills and mountains by the skin of there teeth (actually lichen and moss) so there are frequent landslides. After a bacon and egg breaky we reversed the trip order and arrived back at Manapouri around mid day. 

 As I have never been down this way I want to see as much as I can so wisely or unwisely we drove to Clyde via  Invercargill. There was not much to see and the terrain was not as rugged as I had anticipated, but it was an easy drive (well it was for me because all I had to do was sit and look out the window). A brief stop in Riverton for late lunch at the Postmasters. Nice little cafe where we have begun a project to aid mankind. "Cheesy Roll Testing". These are pieces of white bread with a cheesy sauce filling and rolled and toasted. These were served with butter slathered and melting over the top. I would rate them an 8/10. Not a ten because we needed a second serving just to re test. I also demolished a superb custard square (vanilla slice for you Australians). 

Back on the road the vista was pretty and much like the North Island, until we hit a sign saying 'Welcome to Central Otago'. An immediate change in countryside. Rugged hilly mountains with piles of rocks and stone, hills yellowed and golden with poplar trees in rows like soldiers. In the valleys lush patches, especially in Ettrick and Roxburgh where cherries and other fruit were so thick on the trees you could see the flashes of colour as you drove by.

And then we got to Clyde. We had been here once for lunch on our 10th wedding anniversary, nearly 17 years ago. Oliver's stables is a quaint historical stone set of buildings  and our room is awesome.  Like we have just stepped off a gold rush wagon. Furs are draped over leather chairs and the room is dotted with old books and bone china. We are ready for a luxurious shower, food and sleep. Goodnight.