Rubicon Valley and Christchurch, March 22

We drove south along the coast to Greymouth and then turned inland to cross the Southern Alps at “Arthur’s Pass”, the low point and below the snow line.  It was a long twisty road; lots of up and down grades and the road only wide enough for one vehicle on either side except for rather infrequent passing lanes. It was an interesting but rather uneventful drive. We were above the tree line, not much to see except low growing scrub. 

Arthur's Pass

We eventually arrived in The Rubicon valley and located the horse ranch to begin our rides. It was Brian’s first time on a horse and he did very well. I hadn’t ridden in forty years so he and I were about on par.  Let’s just say that neither of us fell off the horses. It was a walk, not a run, though they did give us the option to do that if we chose, which we both declined. A husband and wife guide team led us along high trails in the Tortesse Basin and through the valley to a lookout point high up in the Waimakarri Gorge. The scenery along the trail was breathtaking. We stopped for pre-arranged tea and scones at the midway point. The hosts had packed everything along in saddlebags.

Tom making a new friend

Tom and his new friend

Brian, Mr. Bo Jangles, Tom and Big Red above the scenic Waimakarri Gorge

Tom giving Big Red, a former race horse, a snack

Tom and Big Red 

Brian and Mr. Bo Jangles

New Zealand echoes a pronounced British influence and it’s evident in their speech and customs. They use the word “Lovely” frequently and we have found ourselves falling into the pattern.  When someone asks a question such as, “Did you enjoy your dinner?” the correct answer is “it was lovely.” (with the  emphasis on the first part of the word LOVEly.) It may require a day or two for us to drop the habit when we get back home. We continued on to Christchurch where we located our next lodgings, went out for dinner and then settled in for the night.