Out and about in Queenstown

After our big day on Doubtful Sound, Thursday was a day in about Queenstown.  Some of us walked to town, downhill, and Craig and Stephen brought Agnes and Mark in the car.  Of course, it became "beer '0'clock", so we stopped to decide where to have lunch!

After our beer, we ran into the rest of the gang, and had another beer at our favorite Irish bar and restaurant in Queenstown.  Lunch eventually followed, along with some shopping and leisurely wandering around town.

David and Marilyn arrived on Friday, and Craig and Stephen picked them up at the airport.  Deane, Tony, John, Mark and Agnes headed off to Wanaka.  Lee and I had visited Wanaka last year, so we passed and spent the day in Queenstown.  Craig, Stephen, Marilyn and David met the rest of the gang in Wanaka for lunch.

We all met back at The Nest at 5:00 to get ready for the big dinner!

On Saturday, we all picked different activities - Deane, Tony and John went on the TS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station.  Lee and I went into town and browsed the craft market.  From there we rode the gondola to Bob's Peak - where bungy jumping and parasailing are king.   The views from the Peak are amazing!  Craig, Stephen, Mark and Agnes made a trip to Glenorchy - it turns out that Agnes' grandfather was born there!

Saturday was an amazingly beautiful day - we all gathered back at The Nest for wine and nibbles on the deck before dinner.    And then, it was all over - time to pack up and head to the airport for a noon flight on Sunday. 

The best 50th birthday celebration ever!!

Pat, John, and Deane - "beer 0'clock"

Craig, Agnes, Mark and Pat at the Irish pub

Tony, John, Stephen and Deane - we had the entire balcony to ourselves

Craig and "the hand" on the way to Wanaka

The view from our walk down the hill

The Queenstown harbor, with the TSS Earnslaw in the background

We were told that this sailboat used to belong to Winston Churchill!

The craft fair on the boardwalk at Queenstown harbor with the "Remarkables" in the background.

Lake Wakatipu from the walkway around the botanical garden

The botanical garden

The beach at lake Wakatipu - we found lake glass there!

We took a boat trip on Lake Wakatipu, and I got to drive, as long as I wore the darned hat!

At the top of Bob's Peak - with the gondolas and the "jumping off" point for bungy jumping - we passed!

Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables from Bob's Peak

And another amazing view

At Bob's Peak, with Queenstown below

Lee at Bob's Peak

Parasailing!  They were taking off right over our heads

Must be an incredible feeling to "fly"

It was great to have time to take advantage of all the Queenstown and environs has to offer