How green is my valley? VERY!!!

A very early morning saw us waiting on the footpath outside our hotel, at 6.50am this morning, for our taxi to the airport.....which never arrived. Fortunately a lovely business man by the name of Graeme who happened to be checking out at the same time, and had a chauffeur driven limousine waiting for him, offered us a ride and charged it to his business account. Win No. 1!

Our flight to Nelson was smooth and uneventful.....just how you like a flight to be. When collecting our hire car we were informed that we had been upgraded from a 2013 Corolla to a brand spanking new Rav 4. Win No. 2! The drive down to Owen River Lodge was glorious. The valley is every shade of green imaginable with rolling hills and snow capped alps as a backdrop. Many of the trees are still in blossom as well, which added to the colour and charm. Simply stunning.

We arrived at Owen River Lodge just in time for lunch. The lodge and our cabin are luxurious with breathtaking views out over the gardens to the Owen River. The whole area is just such a vivid green it almost looks fake. Stephen spent some time being fitted with all his gear, so he is ready and raring to go, first thing tomorrow morning. He and his guide Pete will set off about 8.30am. I'm not sure he will be able to sleep tonight.