Praise be!

We woke this morning to see a strange, bright glowing thing in the sky above. Add to that the sky was blue and cloudless. First nice day of 2006!

We're in Te Anau. We arrived yesterday the huge rain clouds gathered around the mountains and white horses ripping across the lake. Today is the exact opposite.

Last night we stayed in Manapouri, 20km south. The hostel was superb. Little timber cabins on the hill with log fired stoves in the corner. The view was outstanding yesterday, even with the cloud but this morning it was breathe-taking.

We're going fishing today and camping beside the river that hugs the road to Milford Sound. We've booked an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound for Thursday night (across the lake on a boat, coach over the road built for the hydro power station and then out on the cruise boat with a bit of kayaking in the evening). Speaking of kayaking, we've also booked a 5 hour kayak around milford sound on Wednesday. Hopefully the weather is as good as today but the forecast says no.

Anyway lots to look forward to and if you're ever in the area stay at Freestone Backpackers.

Here's a couple of quick pictures. One is the amazing McLean's Falls the other is Freeston Backpackers.

Cheers
Peter