HORSING AROUND IN MIDDLE EARTH WITH A FILM STAR

DAY 39: Queenstown

After waking up to the most spectacular view from our bed, we had a luxury breakfast (considering our others) of poached eggs on toast before Skyping our families.

At about midday we walked down the hill into town to meet Lisa and Josh for today's activity. But before that, Josh convinced us to go to Cookie Time for a fresh, warm cookie and a glass of milk (on tap!). You have to take a bite of warm cookie and a swig of cold milk, then let the cookie soak it up before chewing. Crazy nice.

Our activity today was horse riding. But not just any horse riding. Horse riding in Glenorchy (Isengard and Fangorn of Middle-Earth and Lord of the Rings fame). After being given our Drizabone wax coats and riding helmets, we looked more like German World War motorcyclists than horse riders. Nevertheless we were ready to be introduced to our steeds for the day.

My horse was a superstar of the big screen called Oscar. He was in the LOTR film in the battle of Rohan and when we met he did have a certain arrogance about him. Bloody big time. Apparently he's the dominant male of the herd, so he can get a bit bossy. And bitey.

After a simple driving lesson, we were under way with me and Oscar at the front and Jen's horse, Pip at the back - the more experienced riders got the more tricky horses. My horse had cruise control so I didn't really have to do much for the hour and a half ride which meant I could take in the stunning and dramatic scenery - the misty weather adding to the atmosphere. Such a stunning location, especially the mountains. Jen on the other hand had quite a tough time with the overly-hungry Pip.

Oscar had a lot of wind today and held some record breaking long farts. Glad I was at the front. I felt sorry for Jen who was right at the back, so she had everyone's smells.

After a good trek we returned back to Queenstown and had dinner at Pauline's overlooking the lake as the sun set. A great day.