there's a very plain sign on the side of the road past the township of tekapo
pointing the way along a sideroad to a place called mt john observatory
and something about a cafe providing food and refreshments
well it was that time of the day and so a detour seemed a good idea
so off the main road we went, along the road for a few minutes
then across a cattle stop and then the quite ascent up the sealed road
the higher we went the more impressive the views became
which is probably stating the obvious in this beautiful area
near the peak of the climb we passed a fellow striding up the hill
no sign of a car anywhere so a bit of a mystery where he had come from
parked the car and then walked about 100 metres or so to the very top
and took in the breath-taking (literally) views
a 360 degree panaroma of snow-capped mountains , plains and lakes
some serious looking buildings housing the various telescopes
owned and operated by various nz and overseas universities
were also scattered around the area
and a very impressive steel and glass building housing the astro cafe
great coffee it seems knows no boundaries
nor does fresh carrot cake or generous and fresh sandwiches
so after a top-up in the fuel department
a wander around the site seemed appropriate
a opportunity for quiet contemplation of the beauty laid out around us
including an imagination only of what the night skies would be like
some photos in the cafe gave some indication of the night views to be had
there were lots of photos taken and cameras offered
in my case by the fellow we had passed on the way up
he told me he had just completed the 3 hour walk from tekapo township
following a track specifically provided for that purpose
mental note taken - do that walk one day (ahem)
an hour or so later we descended by the same road
tummies full, lungs cleared, senses in awe
another magic destination
