Day 19- Christchurch to Mt. Cook

 After a welcome three night stop in Christchurch, we are headed to Mt. Cook in the Southern Alps for another three night stop at the Hermitage. The weather report is that it is overcast at Mt. Hood now, but expected to clear up by the time we arrive. 

Starting out

 A welcome ray of sunshine is on the horizon and it keeps getting better as the day progresses. 

Ray of blue

 The break stop was scheduled for Geraldine (town), but because it was noon time, it was lunch time instead. Most of the group was there at various times during our meal, some for coffee and some for lunch. 

Lunch Stop in Geraldine- Keith, Joan, Ian and Lesley

Sun at last

By the time we arrived at Lake Tekapo, the sun was shining brightly and the lake was a beautiful blue. As usual, the group of spectators gathered round wanting to have their picture with the Morgan.  We also visited the Church of the Good Shepherd(below) before leaving Tekapo. 

Can I have my picture with your car?

 It was difficult finding a time that no one was hanging around to take this photo.

Morgan at Lake Tekapo 

The Usual Chat at Lake Tekapo

Tribute to the Sheep Dog at Lake Tekapo

Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo

View from Church Window

It was interesting to look back and see the fog in the valleys of the mountains. 

Fog over the Mountains

Soon we were rounding Lake Pukaki on our approach to Mt. Cook. We could see our friends stopping at every bend, but we were lazy and just acquired a few photos.

Approaching Mt. Cook, Slightly Right

Approaching Mt. Cook

Overlooking Lake Pukaki on way to Mt. Cook

Reflections

Mt. Cook closer

Mountains straight up from the plains

We arrived mid afternoon at the hotel, where we swapped our room for a first floor room, and others who were given a view of the wonderful Morgans in the car park, managed to get upgraded to a room with a direct view of Mt. Cook.  Our view was just fine where we were, but I probably don't have as many photos as those who had direct views. Our bathroom had to be almost the smallest anywhere, and this is not an inexpensive hotel. Why didn't the architects just make the rooms 1 foot bigger so one could get between the toilet and the sink? 

Because of all the confusion, we all were given free internet for our stay and a free drink at dinner. 

Hermitage at Mt. Cook by Susan

Very small bathroom

View from our Room

The balcony we shared with our neighbors became the cocktail hour as we put all the benches together. 

Phil ad Dave in the Bar

 Dinner was a buffet, which was not perfect, but certainly better than the previous one we had. We had a wonderful view of the mountain as the sun went down. 

Dessert table

Sunset from the Dining Room