After 3 nights, I was now enjoying my 3rd morning in Queenstown… an early morning that is… as I still have not seen Queenstown in daylight!!! UNREAL! With all of the activities beckoning on the outskirts, most visitors take off for day trips before sunrise and return after sunset. I was determined to find the locals’ coffee shop on my final morning in Queenstown… I knew it was called Joe’s something, and was located on a dark alley-like street… and such was the case! Joe’s Garage – tucked quietly away from the crazy-tourist scene… the people, the coffee, and atmosphere provided an exceptionally pleasant start to my day. As I was just getting ready to leave, I recognized a familiar jacket… it was my new Magic driver, getting his cuppa jo for the road… so I knew I’d have to make a brisk walk back up the hill out of town center to gather my things and be ready when he arrived (and I’m sure he wondered how I was going to do so!)
Scoring my fave spot during our road journeys – front seat – we were off to Dunedin… a very short drive in comparison to the past few road-trips, and lengthy journey to Milford yesterday. The sun was rising, the snow-capped mountain peaks were beginning to glow in soft pink at their tips, and the lakes and streams were still as glass… GORGEOUS!
Visiting with a few of my new friends in the Tin Goose Café in Cromwell, during a break from the road, we shared stories from our days in Queenstown. All of us arrived and left together, without any plan to do so. After leaving Cromwell, I saw golden, stringy-like trees roadside for the 1st time. The burnt orangish/red trees are all over New Zealand, but these golden ones were unique! We passed Clyde Dam shortly before arriving in Alexandra (the town facing the most extreme temps in New Zealand – 15 winter to 45 summer… yikes!... that’s like FL & upstate NY all in one!) The drive follows the South Island’s longest river, which reflected the mountains lining its edges beautifully. We passed many sheep, apple orchards, and vineyards along the way too. The perfectly bright sunshine and calm winds enhanced an already lovely journey.
Continuing on we entered lush, green hillsides, filled with many fluffy and shorn sheep. Passing through Lawrence, and arriving in Dunedin, it was much larger than I ever anticipated. All of the rather negative things I had heard about the area proved to be not-so-true. Yes, the nightlife, and adventure scene is not as prevalent, but it certainly has an entertainment scene, the largest student population in New Zealand, and a beautiful harbor and coastal setting. There is more kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, walking and other activities available than what meets the eye.
Dunedin is a Scottish colony, so its architecture is filled with this style, and most of the stone used to construct the local homes and buildings was hailed from Oamaru (just up the coast.) In the city center, it is set up in a double octagon… which is not only unique, but fun for exploring. Cinemas, cafes, and some niche businesses fill the streets, and then Princess St., the Main St. intersects the center of the octagon, and Stuart St. makes the cross “T” leading down to the most photographed New Zealand building – the rail station. Just on the outskirts of town is the “World’s Steepest St.” – Baldwin St. I thoroughly enjoyed my walk up it… however, I doubt that it is actually steeper than most streets in San Fran, or some of the mountain roads I’ve winded my way up in the past – hmmm???
Scoring my fave spot during our road journeys – front seat – we were off to Dunedin… a very short drive in comparison to the past few road-trips, and lengthy journey to Milford yesterday. The sun was rising, the snow-capped mountain peaks were beginning to glow in soft pink at their tips, and the lakes and streams were still as glass… GORGEOUS!
Visiting with a few of my new friends in the Tin Goose Café in Cromwell, during a break from the road, we shared stories from our days in Queenstown. All of us arrived and left together, without any plan to do so. After leaving Cromwell, I saw golden, stringy-like trees roadside for the 1st time. The burnt orangish/red trees are all over New Zealand, but these golden ones were unique! We passed Clyde Dam shortly before arriving in Alexandra (the town facing the most extreme temps in New Zealand – 15 winter to 45 summer… yikes!... that’s like FL & upstate NY all in one!) The drive follows the South Island’s longest river, which reflected the mountains lining its edges beautifully. We passed many sheep, apple orchards, and vineyards along the way too. The perfectly bright sunshine and calm winds enhanced an already lovely journey.
Continuing on we entered lush, green hillsides, filled with many fluffy and shorn sheep. Passing through Lawrence, and arriving in Dunedin, it was much larger than I ever anticipated. All of the rather negative things I had heard about the area proved to be not-so-true. Yes, the nightlife, and adventure scene is not as prevalent, but it certainly has an entertainment scene, the largest student population in New Zealand, and a beautiful harbor and coastal setting. There is more kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, walking and other activities available than what meets the eye.
Dunedin is a Scottish colony, so its architecture is filled with this style, and most of the stone used to construct the local homes and buildings was hailed from Oamaru (just up the coast.) In the city center, it is set up in a double octagon… which is not only unique, but fun for exploring. Cinemas, cafes, and some niche businesses fill the streets, and then Princess St., the Main St. intersects the center of the octagon, and Stuart St. makes the cross “T” leading down to the most photographed New Zealand building – the rail station. Just on the outskirts of town is the “World’s Steepest St.” – Baldwin St. I thoroughly enjoyed my walk up it… however, I doubt that it is actually steeper than most streets in San Fran, or some of the mountain roads I’ve winded my way up in the past – hmmm???
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