Trekking horses

Set off from Twizel today heading for Pukaki Tekapo to meet up with D & K 'at some point' later in the day.  First stops though - complete van domestics plus a mini supermarket shop.  The drive from Twizel to Pukaki Tekapo takes in some glorious Mackenzie scenery, the kind of scenery you see printed on biscuit tin lids and postcards.  Huge tracts of barren land stretch far into the distance and behind that......snow-capped mountains.  The snow from the last few falls has lingered creating a beautiful, picture postcard world to drive through.  Cold, yes - but beautiful.  Nearing Tekapo I spied a paddock full of horses in winter jackets so cheekily pulled onto the farmer's roadway to ensure I kept the road safe and also, that I could turn around.  Wouldn't you know it - along came the 'farmer' who turned out not to be the farmer but was 'mum' to the horses.  The horses, she told me, were the Mackenzie Trekking horses who are used to take people on treks across the rugged Mackenzie lands (now wouldn't that be something...??!)  They have a long break over winter so get to enjoy having a large paddock, a warm jacket and a magnificent view without having to trek to see it.    

On then to Lake MacGregor, a place I've stayed at before and rather enjoyed.  The views along the road were, of course, spectacular (extra) and the hour or two I spent at the little lake was thoroughly enjoyable.  I left the lake with the aim of heading to the campsite D & K had indicated they'd stayed at last night but as I got to the corner who should I find parked on the side of the road but D & K!  After a good laugh about it we decided that actually........why drive to another campsite when we were already at a very acceptable one so Lake MacGregor it is tonight.  Thinking it might be a stunning morning tomorrow so early (ish) to bed tonight.