Yes, it's true. We were driving in the South Island on the way back to the ferry at the end of our mini-vacation and we came upon a series of ski mountains just west of Christchurch (or "Chch," as some Kiwis put it). Naturally, we couldn't resist having a look. Stacey and I were reminded about the time in 1999 when we made a similar trip up a ski mountain in Stowe, Vermont. It's summer now, so snow wasn't an issue in trundling the RV up the unsealed road to the top of the mountain.
As in much of New Zealand, the scenery was eye-boggling. We could look out on the plains of Cantrerbury (the region in which Chch is situated) and see its vineyards, pastures, and neat fence rows well into the distance as we rocked around each harrowing hairpin. The girls were sitting in the back of the RV reading and we kept rousing them to look out at the amazing panorama below.
About halfway up Mt. Hutt it became apparent that the summit was covered with clouds, and a helpful driver on the way down suggested that we not try to reach it because of road hazard and, of course, the fact that if we did make it to the top we wouldn't see much except clouds. So we decided to turn around.
Having driven since we left Oamaru that morning, Stacey was tired, and I reluctantly agreed to take the wheel. We found a broad area to turn around and started to wend (yes "wend") our way to the main highway. The scenery was wonderful, not least the lush foliage which grows right up to the side of the road. The view was stunning, as was the telephone pole concealed in it. I moved left to avoid a rut and sideswiped it. The RV was dented, and the side door was stuck, but otherwise it was drivable, and no one was injured. So on we went to Chch.
When returned it to the Maui rental company, we were treated cordially, and since we had full insurance, no harm was done to our finances, but still, if swimming with the dusky dolphins was the trip's high point, I know my personal low.
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