Over the mountain

31.01.20. Brexit Day

The wind from yesterday has calmed down. We can have breakfast outside if we pack accordingly. It's quite gray and cloudy though. Even though we can't see the nearby sea, we can hear it...it can make quite a lot of noise! We're leaving the west coast today, but we need to do some shopping first. So far, we've been shopping at Countdown, today it's New World's turn. The nice cashier gives us a discount card. We've already received one at the gas station as well. Either we look needy or there are at least 2 people who care about our travel fund...or they just want to increase their company's profits...

Today we're tackling Arthur's Pass. As soon as we're on our way, we're already tempted by a café...the mountains are still covered in clouds anyway, so let's give them some more time! The café seems to belong to a dedicated collector! Incredible, all the stuff, but somehow good too! When the coffee is finished, the weather already looks a bit friendlier. But we still get a few raindrops. It's quite chilly at 16.5 degrees. It's uphill and downhill...but mainly uphill for now. The landscape is once again spectacular (even if we're stretching the word a bit!) or in the words of my brother-in-law and Puppe's brother Herbert: magnificent! Unfortunately, there aren't many suitable places to stop and take photos at the beginning of the route, which may be due to the construction sites. We enjoy the drive, which the little compact car manages without any problems! Once again, there's a car wreck lying by the side of the road...not the first one we've seen. Do they leave them here as a warning? We really liked Lake Pearson. It was warm and sunny here again with 27 degrees...but windy...

After Arthur's Pass, we follow the Inland Scenic Route to our destination today: Mount Somers. Puppe has found a very idyllic, small campsite for us, we're very excited! It's not as hot as Lake Pearson, but we still feel quite warm in the sun with a cup of instant coffee and shortbread!

Tonight, we indulge! The Puppe has 700 grams of beef steak for us on the grill. However, while eating, the question arises whether I'm slowly becoming a little hard of hearing...even when Puppe asks if being hard of hearing makes you unfit to fly, I have to ask for clarification. Well, who's getting younger anyway...