Relaxing pools and First Responders with helicopters

These hot pools overlooking Lake Tekapo were an ideal way to relax after a long walk and after being "on the road" for 7 weeks. 3 pools all at different temperatures to loll around in and sunbathe on the loungers in between. Aaaaaah!!!

We had a great room at the YHA there - right by the lake front (a lot of the YHA's are like in the UK - set up years ago in idyllic hiking areas by enthusiasts and developed and maintained, so that now they in in prime locations eg. the Ambleside one and others) and with a view across the turquoise expanse - this is taken just in front of our room in - the sign says "Posh Seat"!

We were at Mt Cook for another few days after the iceberg trip and got some great views of Mt Cook - the ones you see on my Picasa web album (all downloaded now we are at Ron and Sheilas for a day or two - access from picture area on left of this blog) are just a few of the dozens I took - however did we manage with just film in our cameras?



For those following in our footsteps to NZ - there is an excellent museum with various films at the Heritage Hotel dedicated to Sir Edmund Hillary - great films on his life and also the local Search and Rescue team. We went to a fascinating talk by one of the SAR team - just like our First Responders really - except they use helicopters, climbing gear and work on dangerous mountain tops in icy conditions!

A very useful indoor spot, together with the excellent DOC information centre, for all the times when you can't see the mountains - probably most of the time.