A Slow, Cold Lake Crossing

Sunday 22 February

We may not have summer temperatures - 3*C on waking up at 7.30ish - but as the sun broke through the air soon warmed up, though not the lake waters!

Abby & Jez were busy researching their next Moho upgrade when 4 of their favoured brand, TrailLite, rolled into camp so they quickly made friends and got a chance to inspect the various options!

Meanwhile, we packed the kayak in the boot of RUSSF and set off to the far side of the lake by the hot pools. Pumped up one SUP & the kayak, Nickie and Louis squeezed into their wet suits and we set off across the water back to camp.

Russ and I were in charge of protecting the swimmers from the speeding jet skis and fizz boats but frankly he did most of the work as every time I stopped paddling to take a photo, the wind whipped the kayak round and sent it off towards the top of the lake!

About 1.5km in, Nickie called it a day as her teeth were chattering in the 14*C water, enough was enough - time to hop out of the water before she froze entirely!

As soon as she had climbed into the front of the kayak it suddenly became much better behaved. It was a pretty scenic trip for those above the water, with a backdrop of the Southern Alps and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd (looking a little less impressive than usual from the lake, usually it is the juxtaposition of the grey stone against the sparkling waters which make it so special). Louis ploughed on through the chilly waters , clocking up around 3.5km in total.

We had a wee crowd of 3-4 campers and two dogs to welcome us onto the beach and we picked up the inflatables & walked back to camp.

After lunch, Harley & I went off to explore the fairy walk though the pine woods at the NZMCA camp - so many people have put a lot of effort into this little trail and I really enjoyed it, though Harley was less impressed as I kept stopping to admire the stones and doors and other details!

At 4pm, Nickie & Abby went off to the Sunday service at the Church of the Good Shepherd which was apparently very lovely, but not as well attended as you might expect in such a special place of worship. There were several visitors from overseas and some locals, but it was only half full. I'd love to attend, but felt it was ratehr hypocritical so left it to the true believers. Then we said farewell to the Tomkinsons as the Moho team headed back to Timaru.

It was a stonking evening so we took our plates of BBQ dinner down to the “Aslan table” down by the lake and basked in the gorgeous rays of golden hour.

Russ had not been to the Church of the Good Shepherd, so he & Nickie set off to visit it and I strolled down towards the point to watch the sunset which was truly spectacular. Another awesome Tekapo day!