VictoriaMarch 23
Getting out of bed when you have a view like this is difficult. Lucky for us, we had no plans today other than to soak up the views and enjoy the beauty and solitude of this private sanctuary overlooking the Wilkin mountains.
Mount Aeolus is one of the peaks in Mt. Aspiring National Park and stands at 7,490 feet. A Greek name meaning “God of the winds,” it was covered in snow and hugged by cottony clouds as we drank our morning coffee and gazed at its beauty. We are staying two nights at this beautiful lodge in paradise and are already regretting not staying longer.
The nearest grocery store to Makarora is back in Wānaka, an hour away. We knew that and shopped before we arrived. We are in another remote place in NZ and enjoying every minute.
We read. We blogged. We called family. We listened to the birds and watched a falcon fly overhead.
We ate. We went for a walk. We ate again. Most of all we relaxed and recharged, exactly what we needed.
Mitch made another delicious dinner and that rounded out the day as we enjoyed another glass of wine.
At dusk, as we were relaxing after dinner with all the doors open, a bat flew into the cottage and briefly found a cozy place in the rafters.
Having experienced a bat in our bedroom at home in Greenwood Village once, we quickly recognized what we had on our hands. Except this bat was squealing a bit and squeaking as it flew around trying to find the exit. We both jumped up. I screamed and ran out the front door. Mitch ducked and ran out the back.
It didn’t stay long thank goodness, and we shut all the doors once he flew out. That’s about the extent of excitement in Makarora.
A few minutes later, Cash the dog came around to check out what all the screaming was about. He did his usual exploration of the cottage searching for a treat, and then happily left.
We’ll relish our time at the lodge until we have to bid farewell in the morning. Thankfully, Pete says there is no check out time, we can leave whenever. Is that an open invite to stay as long as we want?!
