Queenstown, Part 1

After our adventure at the airport, we're ready to explore Queenstown.  Luckily we landed on time, so we're able to go to the Queenstown Arts Market where we're finally able to see some local artists' work for sale.  The guidebooks mention a lot of handcrafted items are available in New Zealand, but up til now I've seen a limited amount.   I buy some earrings and a bracelet, but otherwise just enjoy looking.  It's held outside by the marina, but I forgot to take pictures.

This might be the bite when Steve ingests the e coli.  At least, we think it might be from here.  It took him two weeks after we returned before he finally went to the doctor to get checked out. 

Then we decide to try Fergberger, which was recommended to us by a Kiwi.  It must be good, because there's a 30-minute wait, but we entertain ourselves by taking selfies while in line.
I'm kind of surprised Steve can eat so much, considering what he has scheduled for later in the day.  He's checking off a bucket list item - bungy jumping!  It doesn't affect his appetite, though.

I did a lot of daredevil feats in my 20s, so I feel fine just being on the sidelines for this event.  Steve decides he wants to do the highest jump they have - 440 ft (that's pretty close to the height of our 46-story apartment building)!  I think the scariest part of the whole day had to be the bus driving up the mountain on the dirt road with limited guardrails (like they would stop a bus, anyway).  I can't believe there hasn't been an accident.

See the road on the left?  We are on the edge of a cliff, hundreds of feet in the air (that's a dirt bike course way, way below us on the right).  Pictures do not capture the scariness.

Once we arrive at the station (at the end of the hair-raising bus ride), we still need need to go out to where the bungy jump takes place.  That would be in the little "basket" on the right side of the picture below.  It's going to the platform "floating" in the middle of the gorge in the left corner of the picture.  The trip to the platform got everyone's heart beating fast!

On the left is the observation deck for people who don't want to ride out to the platform.

Here's a shot of the gorge - I assume it's at least 450 deep, since the bungy jump is 440 feet!


We're out on the platform with about a dozen other people, plus the two workers.  Here's Steve as his turn is coming up....









And here he goes!  Look at that form!  Even the East German judge gives him a 9.5.

And the after jump smile.

Steve's wonderful jump wasn't the highlight of the day for the crew.  Apparently, after you jump, you can jump a second time for free....if you're willing to do it naked.  And there was a girl from the group right before Steve's that was willing to do it.  She undressed under a blanket, but was strapped in to the harness completely naked.  They told her the cameras would not be broadcast back at the station, but I noticed they didn't say they would not be recording...  Everyone (workers and jumpers) was very professional while she was on the platform, but as soon as she leapt the male jumpers all ran to look out the window at the bottom of the platform.  She was 400 feet away - it wasn't like they could see anything.  

After the excitement of the day we headed back to our B&B.  Beautiful views from this one, too!