Hello again. . . . . Well I went to Wanaka, however before leaving Queenstown, I decided that I would go back for a last night out before hitting the west coast. . . . The same guys should be going out, so I thought why not. Had really nice time with them and they have made me feel really welcome, so another night shouldn't hurt and we should be celebrating, as Bridget is doing all 3 bungy jumps in one day?!?

So Wanaka. . . . . I finally got there (slow leaving Queenstown) around early afternoon and found my digs, The Purple Cow! I then mozied into the little sleepy village that it is and had a beer and a bite to eat. I sort of planned which walks I wanted to do, then headed off to this local puzzle world place. It had been recommended by a few people, so I thought I would check it out. . . . . It was quite a small place, with it's own maze, which I did quite easily. . . . You then go into a few different rooms with themes, it was pretty clever and managed to kill a few hours. . . . half of the time there was spent sat at a number of different tables with different puzzles on. . . . . You know the ones. . . ? Them wooden cube things and things that you need to make into shapes. . . . Some of them were somewhat frustrating to say the least!

I then headed back into town and did a bit of shopping and made some food before chilling out for the evening in the TV lounge, where they played Mr & Mrs Smith. I had not seen the film before, so it was worth watching! After reading my book for a bit I had an early night as I wanted to be fresh for the main event. . . . The walk up Mount Roy. . . . ! Now Roy is my dad's name, so I thought that's a good a reason as any, however the book read '16km, 4 - 6 hours, 1100m ascent, a much more ambitious prospect'. Now after doing it, I could word it somewhat differently, but swearing isn't allowed, so you'll just have to believe me when I say 'Blimey! That was hard work. . . . . '. I basically walked up a steep mountain for 2 and a half hours to the summit, yeah yeah, the views were great, but I am sure my eyes were bleeding when I got there. . . Now, I know you thinking, stop moaning, at least it's all down hill on the way back?! Well, yes, but that isn't that easy either and the pain on your knees, well?!?

Alright, I'll stop moaning. . . . . . It was a great sense of achievement getting up there and I did sort of enjoy it, but in the future, I think I will choose something a little different. . . !

After the walk I headed straight back to the hostel for a red hot shower to warm my bones back up, then I popped back in to town for a coffee and a scone and chilled for a bit with my book. . . . . Following on from the coffee came the beer and all was well in the world again!

I then went to the Speight's beer house and had some great food, I had deserved not to have to cook my tea that night and washed it down with a fine pint of 'Speight's Distinction'. I then went back to the hostel and watched the end of the latest Bond movie in the TV room before heading out to the local cinema.

Now, this cinema isn't any ordinary place, far from it. . . . . It is one room, that plays random movies (latest ones, plus art house stuff), but with a difference. . . . ! It is very small and has old sofa's, car seats, old cinema chairs, arm chairs, etc to sit on. . . . It also has an old Morris Minor that you can sit in to watch you film. . . . . ! They also take an interval break halfway through and serve warm cookies, yum yum. . . . ! What a great experience! It would have been better if the film had been more my cup of tea! I watched 'Pam's Labyrinth', a strange thing, with sub-titles as it was all in Spanish. . . . . I really needed a 'No Brainer' film, as I was somewhat tired after my walk, but hey, it was ok. . . . . ! Back to the hostel and read my book some more, then sleep. . . . . !

In the morning after breakfast, I headed back slowly towards Queenstown. Gonna spend the night there, then head to Franz Josef Glacier, the walks there should be different. . . . . . Will let you know how the night out goes and what the Glaciers are like. . . Ciao for now my friends. . . . . !