Wednesday 11th January. Cycling around Lake Wanaka and dinner with the Dixons

A beautiful morning in Wanaka and after a slow start, we decided to hire bikes (available at Edgewater Resort) and cycle around the part of the lake close to Edgewater and then into the town. We headed north west along an excellent track towards Glendhu Bay, passing Waterfall Creek, where on one previous occasion we remember being dropped off by David in the boat after a day out on the lake. It was mostly easy riding but there were a couple of climbs which tested the LLW and we decided to turn back not far from Glendhu. As you can see from the photos, the views were tremendous and we were quickly reminded why we love coming back to Wanaka.

Into town for some essentials, starting with flat whites and cakes, of course, then a cycle around the town stopping to check which films are on at the very quirky local cinema, Paradiso. There are two or three interesting films currently showing including La La Land so we may go one evening later in the week.

Back to the resort to find our restaurant inundated with cyclists; there must have been 30 who have stopped for lunch. Quite clearly cycling is the in sport in Wanaka now.

The LLW was set upon swimming in the lake so off we went to the small beach directly in front of our apartment. The water is brilliantly clear and whilst I cannot say it was warm, we thoroughly enjoyed our swim and the views from the water gave us a new perspective upon Wanaka and Edgewater Resort. The biggest problem was getting in and out of the water as it is very stony to start with. Back home we use what we call our "wet sandals" for swimming off such beaches but sadly the wet sandals did not make the cut when we completed the final round of packing.

We are looking forward to the visit this evening of David, Jess and Isla and the LLW has been busy preparing food. The cooking facilities are somewhat limited in our apartment but we have discovered a very large and seemingly magical, thermostatically controlled electric device which promises, to fry, poach and even roast! We will report back on the results but so far it looks very promising.

We had a lovely evening with David, Jess and Isla. After dinner Isla was still full of energy and took the LLW on a training run in the grounds of our resort. It was warm but very windy and the lake again looked like a sea with considerable white horses at times.