Brightening up for some...

Heavy rain overnight required a well wrapped start. Low cloud and mist created an oppressive canopy while cautiously circling around Lake Wakatipu. A reviving cuppa at 5 Rivers Cafe seemed to work wonders for the sun too. Eventually clouds burn off to reveal beautiful agricultural landscape spreading far to the North and South. In contrast to vast planted fields, trees in their autumn plumage provided their own spectacle. If only I knew what they all were (Susie B/Terry help!)
Further on farmers had been busy again, this time thousands of sheep, looking sheepish in their newly shawn coats, scattered the fields.
Arrived at Te Anau in good time to meet tonight's host George. Fascinating guy - ex Formula 2/UK racer of 'tin tops', as he described (Aston Martins in reality). Now he's back home reinstalling old stuff in the community, including the B&B itself (an old convent moved few hundred miles up the road), 1930s gentleman's yacht on the lake and a couple of aircraft of similar vintage.
Just enjoyed beautifully shot film 'Fiordland' at local cinema. Featuring the gasping beauty of the worlds largest heritage site, here in NZ (who knew?!) combined with camera/editing from a slick crew with skills honed on Jackson productions. Very impressive.
Quick pizza then ride back to enjoy free internet/bar at  B&B - just as well daylight saving starts here tonight!
Still no word from Steve on his revised travel plans. Real tough luck :-(