Normally I’d tut severely at someone using a single-malt scotch for something as whimsical as a cocktail, but Laphroig is such a rampant and unashamed peat monster that it doesn’t feel much of a sin to try and play with it. The cocktail involved stirring in marachino liqueur and vermouth, and it had a very warm and mellow result. Then there was a good bottle of red wine from north island to accompany the indulgent tapas we had for dinner. It’s all the fault of Eichardt’s, a very stylish and tempting spot on the shore in Queenstown.
I may have made the first day of the Routeburn trek tomorrow a bit harder than it need be. I don’t know about you, but if I go for a full-day walk then I most definitely notice if I’ve had a few drinks the night before. One drink, that’s fine. Or a short flatish walk, that’s fine. But alcohol seems to linger in the legs and makes hills harder and harder as the day goes on.
I had a good reminder of this, because today we climbed Queenstown Hill which was a steep three hour walk and the few glasses of wine I had with dinner last night (also a really good meal – proper escargot on the other side of the world from Burgundy!) certainly made themselves felt. Fantastic walk though, through deep pine woods splattered with more bright red fly agaric fungi than I’ve ever seen in my life, and then up onto grassy alpine hilltops with majestic views over the town and lake far below. Phew.
Three day Routeburn trek tomorrow. Looking forward to it. Although I hear the lodges each have a bar.
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Hi Matthew & Maureen,
We hope the 3 day trek went well and that your Mum & Dad were able to keep up with both of you. Still great following your adventures and seeing all the lovely photos.
Give our best wishes to your Mum & Dad, it will be interesting hearing all about their time with you in Australia and N.Z. when we meet up with them in Espana in a few weeks time.
Look forward to reading further news from your travels.
Jan & Barry
It will be interesting to find out if their memories of Australia and NZ match up with what we’ve put in the blog! Thanks for commenting, and hope you have a great time in Spain. I love Andalucia, especially the towns and cities away from the coast and the moorish influence.