Feb 5
I am alone (avec aged furry dog child) in the campervan staring out over Lake Hayes. This is day 4 in the camper and the first time, I have camped and been alone. I was hoping to read the newly opened library bag but decided it was better use of time to blog without unintentioned interruption by close quartered company. So here I am.
The lure to organise the cupboards has been sated and systems changed for the umpteenth time. In my frenzy I pulled out, unearthing the feeble screw hold, the freestanding pole holding up the table, so will confess my sins on Ant’s return from his run hopeful to catch him in full endorphins mode.
Our travels to date have consisted of meeting up with people. As wonderful as that is, it is not “getting away from it all”. Equal portions of ‘catching up’ and camping is ideal.
We are still very green at this whole retirement, ‘time to do the things you wanted to do but never had the time to’ kind of thing.
We tentatively dip our middle age toes in the leisure time pool and this time brought our mountain bikes along. The almost 17 year old pooch doesn’t really mind being stowed in the castoff merchandising backpack for a couple of hours while we explore the Central Otago locales.
Lowburn and the adjacent Bannockburn were a pleasant cycle ride away. A mere 15km loop initially following an small arc of lake Dunstan past the vintage village of Cromwell and out to the heights of Bannockburn...wine central. Mt Difficulty lived up to its namesake and discouraged our custom by abhorring our dog. We spent a paltry $6 on tasting then hastily left with our bulging wallets. Desert Heart a kilometre down the road took us to their hearts, where apparently the council bylaws did not reach. There were dogs and diners galore, enjoying all the region had to offer. Denny and co’s relaxed establishment endeared us to the area, as did their share platter that could rival any Michelin man with its delectable delights. Not your everyday opening of hors de vours jars onto a plate, but a selection of over a dozen differing hand made morsels. Oversize, blown wine glasses showcased their ros'e magnificently and we supped gratefully drinking in the day with our nearest and dearest. 
Another cycle ride of note is from Arrowtown to Peregrine winery. A 16km ride downhill with a back wind winding deep into the Gibbston valley along well made tracks that take you over swing bridges for a birds eye view of the raging Kawarau river. The last bridge even has locals and tourists jumping off it attached to bungy cords. The blood curdling shrieks are enough to cure your curiosity.
We ended our ride two kilometres after Peregrine winery so passed it without sampling their wares. Will save that for another time.
A nighttime dip in the fast flowing Kawarau river was high risk but we survived to tell the tale. I was always going to tell the tale as I was just the anxious observer. Someone needs to inherit the insurance.
