We were intended to leave for Antarctica on Wednesday the 29th of 2000, but were waylaid in Christchurch, so Doug and I decided to take a trip up to see Arthur's Pass. It was a spectacular train ride. The passage wound beside the Waimakariri (Don't worry if you had a hard time pronouncing Waimakariri. It took me several goes.). On the way up to the pass, there was a viewing coach which was windowless, being good for taking pictures. Here are several shots I took:
When we reached Arthur's Pass, it was nothing but a few small houses, an information center, two cafes, and a gas station. But this were not the reasons to come to Arthur's Pass. The reason to come was the great number of mountainous peaks surrounding it. Doug and I took a trailup the Devil's punchbowl.
After getting wet at the waterfall, we headed up the mountains. From the top you would see something like this:
You can see why they call this the Southern Alps. Unfortunately I found myself alone a the top, which meant that I had to take an awkward picture of myself. Actually, I didn't reach the very top - just the top of the trail. I would have had to go stomping through bushes and snow to get the rest of the way.
On the way down, I was able to catch even more views (facing the right direction).
Life is good here. But soon (Saturday with any luck) we'll be on to Antarctica.