Today was my birthday. We had kept today completely free which was rather a novelty. We didn't wake up until 8am, had brek, I opened some birthday cards and then we headed up in our own time over to Arthur's Pass, a mountainside national park.
Because Arthur's Pass isn't one of the most famous NZ sites we felt the pressure was off and that we could explore at our will. The best bit is that there is loads to explore and it is all really pretty. Our first venture was the steep climb up to Devil's punchbowl falls. Now, Rob and I have seen quite a few waterfalls on our trip but we both felt these were the most majestic. Their fall was broken on the way down, resulting in many cascades and air filled with water vapour. The sun caught the vapour and gave off a ghostly impression. The effect was captivating and we stayed and watched them fall for quite a while before we headed back down.
Our next walk was the bridal veil falls circuit which lead us through the beech forests. Because of the wet climate the forest floor is moss covered and this time the sun streaming through the trees onto the mossy roots gave the impression of an elven forest (clearly our imaginations were on overdrive today).
This walk was longer than the first and by the time we returned to the village we were ready for lunch. And Arthur's Pass store did us proud with a comfy window seat, pies and then coffee and cake (we needed to make sure we more than covered any calories we might have burned off, plus you can eat what you want on a birthday!)
While we were fattening ourselves up the weather took a turn for the worse and so with our washing in mind we headed back to rescue it from the line. However on the way back we couldn't resist the scenic lookout at death's corner and so we innocently pulled in. On arrival we were besieged by three Kea birds. We had heard about these cheeky mountain parrots and encountered a few in town however these three were of a different class. As we opened the door of the van they ran over and gave us threatening looks, as we stepped out they got closer and as we walked about they stalked us and squawked!
Back at camp our washing had to visit the drier, Rob had a little snooze and Eric and I had a little read of our books. We got a little bit told of by the owner of the camp because we moved site and because Rob started his snooze on a sofa in the living area, but eventually we forgave her. Then as the weather was starting to brighten up just in time for the evening, we got our walking shoes on for the last time and walked the 1km to Jackson's historic tavern for a couple of pints (with only a few stops on the way to take photos of cows and bees).
Rob kindly cooked the bday bangers and mash dinner tonight and wouldn't let me lift a finger. I took charge of eating the olives, drinking the wine and then after dinner I got the eating of chocolate underway. What a peaceful, nature filled, food filled, happy, chatty day. An excellent way to spend a birthday, though I did miss all my special people lots I have to admit.
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