march 8

I departed Wanaka at 4:35am. I felt mildly guilty for kicking J and Kevin out of their overnight accomodations in the van, but I wanted to get a good start on the trip so I could stop along the way if I wanted to.

My morning was spectacular. Outside of Wanaka, I drove in darkness, but my eyes adjusted to the night sky and I began to see the shapes and shadows of hills around me. A few starts popped out of the clouds in the Southern sky.

Stopping in Omarama for gas at 6am, I tried using the Fastrac automatic machine and it wouldn't take my cards. I was analyzing my fuel supply against the next probable town for gas (Lake Tekapo, 100km away), and realized I had to wait for the station to open at 7am. Thankfully, a man arriving early to do some work at the garage used his card to get me $50nz of gas which I paid him cash for. Phew! I owe him a big 'thank you!'

On my way again, the sky began to lighten and hills and mountains peaked from the darkness. Stars faded over the snow-capped mountains as I drove around Lake Pukaki. What a grand morning to stop and take photos.

The only casualties of the morning were that of three rabbits I clipped. I've never seen so many animals hopping all over the road. I felt bad, but kept driving; 110 kilometers per hour. It was kind of like the day at Calvin College when there were so many nightcrawlers on the sidewalk, you would inevitably step on them.

Geraldine was the next stop on the list. I had a quick bit to eat and stopped long enough to talk to the cafe host for a few minutes. I enjoy meeting people who let their American opinions known. He was very amiable and stimulated good-hearted communication!

My last scenic stop was at Rakaia Gorge. The waters were a glacial aqua color and the weather, outstanding! I walked around a bit, stretched my legs, snagged some pictures and hit the road.

I arrived in Christchurch with enough time to check into the YMCA for two nights, drop my bags off, and collect my belongings at the USAP offices before returning the car. I was a little bit lonely on my return to Christchurch, so it was nice to see Austin at the USAP computer lab and meet up with him at the restaurant, Dux de Lux.

And, so ends my 10 day, 5 person roadtrip around the South Island. I have a day and a half in Christchurch before taking off for a week in Auckland.