Monteith's Dog Barking<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: Always double check the schedule.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe Monteith's Dog barking event was what actually lured us to this trip in the first place. Coincidentally it was our first event, although not by design. A misreading of the official schedule meant we missed the precursor event of the Dog Slalom run down the slopes of Coronet Peak. \u00a0Put down to jet lag we now awaited the dog barking event at the Festival HQ in Earnslaw Park. Dog Barking requires each owner with their dog to stand on a stage of hay bails and encourage their hound to bark on command. The quality and enthusiasm of the dog's performance is judged, from which a winner is determined. Should the dog not produce a bark, the owner is then required to bark on their companions behalf. This bark however is is not judged but purely for humiliation.\r\n\r\nHaving warmed up their vocal chords and sniffed their adversaries, it was showtime. One by one they appeared, tails wagging in enthusiasm as they were led to the stage. Each introduced their champion canine before signalling for their dog to 'speak'. Surprisingly, most barked on command. It seemed once they got a taste for it, and a cheer from the crowd, the dogs took to the barking with more purpose. Often addressing every corner of the large crowd emphasising their point with each successive bark.\r\n\r\nA final was held and Gus (pictured below) performed well, but was outdone by a slobbering mastiff. Although you could say it was barking that was the real winner on the day.\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/slingadventures\/photos\/a.353730778360382.1073741828.343673129366147\/417476455319147\/\r\n<\/h2>\r\n \r\nReal Journeys Friday Night Party & Fireworks<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: Don't let personal ambition distract from the mission<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAs an avid skier and snowboarder, the chance to hit the slopes tempted us away from Queenstown to nearby Cardrona on the second day of the festival. A decent half day's skiing was had although being the start of the season there was only a thin base of snow and the inevitable patchy and icy conditions had limited the runs somewhat. We also visited stunning Lake Wanaka to hang in a hammock for a while. We then returned to Queenstown via the Historic Cardrona Hotel for a nice meal and enjoyed a cleansing ale warmed by a roaring fire. By now it was just getting dark and we were planning to make the Friday night fireworks party back in Queenstown.\r\n\r\n![\"lake](\"http:\/\/slingadventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Lake-Wanaka.jpg\")
Hanging a sling at Lake Wanaka<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\nTraffic into Queenstown came to a standstill near the airport and we crawled slowly into town. We arrived only minutes before the fireworks were due to start. Parking back by our accommodation we ran the 1.5km into town as the first of the fireworks exploded in the darkened sky. Puffing and panting we joined the crowds around Lake Wakatipu as the fireworks display came to a climax. Streamers of coloured fire fell to the ground in the classic formations amid the synchronised \"ooh's and ahh's\" of the swelling crowd.\r\n\r\nJust as the last of the fireworks died away Nomad, a local band to Christchurch, began their set on centre stage. A solid outfit with a good sound and a strong following of girls indicated by the screaming up in front. Nomad kept the gathered crowd on their feet while the surrounding bar and food trucks were busy serving the festival goers into the evening.\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/slingadventures\/photos\/a.353730778360382.1073741828.343673129366147\/418014728598653\/\r\n
Jucy Undy 500<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: You do not need to be in an event to cover it.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nHaving watched the Mitre 10 MEGA Raft Race<\/em>\u00a0to begin day 3 it was now our turn to take centre stage in the Jucy Undy 500<\/em>. We were joined by a few other individuals whose sanity was also in question. We disrobed on the beach. A small tent provided some modesty and warmth prior to the starting whistle. While the only offical requiremnt was that you wore a pair of Jucy underwear, some optional fancy dress items were being adopted in the form of wigs, feather boas and bow ties to add a quirky flavour. A brave female competitor bringing her own costume, simply two furry stickers to cover her from the waist up!\r\n\r\nSo we were off! After the dash down the beach in ankle deep water we turned to return back up the beach through the maze of obstacles. I came unstuck on the first hurdle. You might say the mind was willing but the body was weak. Leaping to clear the first stack of hay bails, I clipped the top and fell face first on the beach, trampled by half my combatants in the process. Not to be beaten, I was back up entering the inflatable obstacle course. I hauled myself over an inflatable pyramid but tumbled head over heels down the other side. The rest of the field now took the opportunity to trample me on their way past to the finish.\r\n\r\nBattered and bruised, I limped over the line. Blood oozing from my frozen feet, scrapes down my back and my dignity firmly destroyed. The women were up next. Erin competitive in an equally challenging race. The commentators were I'm sure thankful that the furry stickers on the before-mentioned female entrant held firm over the obstacle course!\r\n\r\n![\"Starting](\"http:\/\/slingadventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Jucy-Indy-500.jpg\")
Starting off the Jucy Indy 500<\/p><\/div>\r\n
Olympus Bobsled Championships<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: Focus on the guys in fancy dress.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBattered and bruised we both went directly from the shores of Lake Wakatipu up to the ski resort of Coronet Peak. Spectacular views were had in a clear afternoon looking towards the Remarkables. We both registered for the Olympus Bobsled race. From experience, one of the most dangerous crafts on a ski slope is a bobsled. Mainly because they have a mind of their own! Thankfully the organisers had a decent amount of safety barriers set up to catch wayward bobsledders.\r\n\r\nA decent Olympus camera package was up for grabs as well as a fancy dress prize. There was a shark, a tiger, two minions, a samurai (with sword) and a Donald Trump protester. \u00a0After a quick briefing we were off. The enthusiasm was just as high as the Undy 500. \u00a0Each competitor hurtling down the hill on a small disc of plastic and boy did they move! On crossing the finish line I dug my heels in as makeshift brakes and immediately got a face full of snow. \u00a0Blinded, I was unsure if I were going to hit anything, so for safety dug my heels in harder resulting in more snow shooting into my unprotected face. As I wiped the snow from my frozen face I realised I had won my heat! A trek back up to the starting line was my immediate reward.\r\n\r\nAlas, I was not as successful in the second heat, beaten by an inflatable shark. So I propped myself on the finish line to capture the final. A blue and yellow minion flashed past in a flurry of snow to take out the final and the substantial winner's prize.\r\n\r\nBack in Queenstown, an event which was not on the official agenda but arguably the main event in the entire country that evening was the rugby. The visiting British and Irish Lions took on the might of the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland. With both local support and expat support from the influx of seasonal workers, it was hard to tell who was the crowd favourite as we gathered in the crowded\u00a0Pub on Wharf<\/em>. After a close game, and an All Blacks win, we decided to have a nightcap at the Havana Bar located in the maze of lane ways in central Queenstown. A great atmosphere with cocktails flying thick and fast. We propped up our worn and tired bodies at the bar and consumed perhaps one too many cocktails to numb the pain.\r\n\r\n\r\nMacPac Skin to Summit & Frisbee Golf<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: Don't peak too soon.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA late and slow start to the final day of the festival. After our slight over indulgence the night before, we actually missed the 7am MacPac Skin to Summit<\/em> back up at Coronet Peak where skiers skate up the main slope. Instead, we enjoyed a tasty breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder<\/em>\u00a0then strolled along the iconic waterfront to the delightful Queenstown Gardens. A rattle of a chain in between the tall pine forest caught our attention. The Frisbee golf competition had begun. A mainstay of Queenstown Gardens year round there are marked posts to enable frisbee golfers or 'Frolfers' to land a frisbee in the chain mail netting in as least throws as possible. Our attempts to join the Frolfers was thwarted as the competition started a day earlier, likely while we were running semi-naked across the beach!\r\n\r\nAs we were somewhat delicate from the previous day's exertions we eventually took refuge in the lounge in front of the fire in our accommodation for the afternoon. Dusk settled in and pinky hues streamed between the mountains.\r\n\r\n
Real Journeys Friday Night Party & Fireworks<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: Don't let personal ambition distract from the mission<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAs an avid skier and snowboarder, the chance to hit the slopes tempted us away from Queenstown to nearby Cardrona on the second day of the festival. A decent half day's skiing was had although being the start of the season there was only a thin base of snow and the inevitable patchy and icy conditions had limited the runs somewhat. We also visited stunning Lake Wanaka to hang in a hammock for a while. We then returned to Queenstown via the Historic Cardrona Hotel for a nice meal and enjoyed a cleansing ale warmed by a roaring fire. By now it was just getting dark and we were planning to make the Friday night fireworks party back in Queenstown.\r\n\r\nHanging a sling at Lake Wanaka<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\nTraffic into Queenstown came to a standstill near the airport and we crawled slowly into town. We arrived only minutes before the fireworks were due to start. Parking back by our accommodation we ran the 1.5km into town as the first of the fireworks exploded in the darkened sky. Puffing and panting we joined the crowds around Lake Wakatipu as the fireworks display came to a climax. Streamers of coloured fire fell to the ground in the classic formations amid the synchronised \"ooh's and ahh's\" of the swelling crowd.\r\n\r\nJust as the last of the fireworks died away Nomad, a local band to Christchurch, began their set on centre stage. A solid outfit with a good sound and a strong following of girls indicated by the screaming up in front. Nomad kept the gathered crowd on their feet while the surrounding bar and food trucks were busy serving the festival goers into the evening.\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/slingadventures\/photos\/a.353730778360382.1073741828.343673129366147\/418014728598653\/\r\n
Jucy Undy 500<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: You do not need to be in an event to cover it.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nHaving watched the Mitre 10 MEGA Raft Race<\/em>\u00a0to begin day 3 it was now our turn to take centre stage in the Jucy Undy 500<\/em>. We were joined by a few other individuals whose sanity was also in question. We disrobed on the beach. A small tent provided some modesty and warmth prior to the starting whistle. While the only offical requiremnt was that you wore a pair of Jucy underwear, some optional fancy dress items were being adopted in the form of wigs, feather boas and bow ties to add a quirky flavour. A brave female competitor bringing her own costume, simply two furry stickers to cover her from the waist up!\r\n\r\nSo we were off! After the dash down the beach in ankle deep water we turned to return back up the beach through the maze of obstacles. I came unstuck on the first hurdle. You might say the mind was willing but the body was weak. Leaping to clear the first stack of hay bails, I clipped the top and fell face first on the beach, trampled by half my combatants in the process. Not to be beaten, I was back up entering the inflatable obstacle course. I hauled myself over an inflatable pyramid but tumbled head over heels down the other side. The rest of the field now took the opportunity to trample me on their way past to the finish.\r\n\r\nBattered and bruised, I limped over the line. Blood oozing from my frozen feet, scrapes down my back and my dignity firmly destroyed. The women were up next. Erin competitive in an equally challenging race. The commentators were I'm sure thankful that the furry stickers on the before-mentioned female entrant held firm over the obstacle course!\r\n\r\nStarting off the Jucy Indy 500<\/p><\/div>\r\n
Olympus Bobsled Championships<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: Focus on the guys in fancy dress.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBattered and bruised we both went directly from the shores of Lake Wakatipu up to the ski resort of Coronet Peak. Spectacular views were had in a clear afternoon looking towards the Remarkables. We both registered for the Olympus Bobsled race. From experience, one of the most dangerous crafts on a ski slope is a bobsled. Mainly because they have a mind of their own! Thankfully the organisers had a decent amount of safety barriers set up to catch wayward bobsledders.\r\n\r\nA decent Olympus camera package was up for grabs as well as a fancy dress prize. There was a shark, a tiger, two minions, a samurai (with sword) and a Donald Trump protester. \u00a0After a quick briefing we were off. The enthusiasm was just as high as the Undy 500. \u00a0Each competitor hurtling down the hill on a small disc of plastic and boy did they move! On crossing the finish line I dug my heels in as makeshift brakes and immediately got a face full of snow. \u00a0Blinded, I was unsure if I were going to hit anything, so for safety dug my heels in harder resulting in more snow shooting into my unprotected face. As I wiped the snow from my frozen face I realised I had won my heat! A trek back up to the starting line was my immediate reward.\r\n\r\nAlas, I was not as successful in the second heat, beaten by an inflatable shark. So I propped myself on the finish line to capture the final. A blue and yellow minion flashed past in a flurry of snow to take out the final and the substantial winner's prize.\r\n\r\nBack in Queenstown, an event which was not on the official agenda but arguably the main event in the entire country that evening was the rugby. The visiting British and Irish Lions took on the might of the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland. With both local support and expat support from the influx of seasonal workers, it was hard to tell who was the crowd favourite as we gathered in the crowded\u00a0Pub on Wharf<\/em>. After a close game, and an All Blacks win, we decided to have a nightcap at the Havana Bar located in the maze of lane ways in central Queenstown. A great atmosphere with cocktails flying thick and fast. We propped up our worn and tired bodies at the bar and consumed perhaps one too many cocktails to numb the pain.\r\n\r\n\r\nMacPac Skin to Summit & Frisbee Golf<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: Don't peak too soon.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA late and slow start to the final day of the festival. After our slight over indulgence the night before, we actually missed the 7am MacPac Skin to Summit<\/em> back up at Coronet Peak where skiers skate up the main slope. Instead, we enjoyed a tasty breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder<\/em>\u00a0then strolled along the iconic waterfront to the delightful Queenstown Gardens. A rattle of a chain in between the tall pine forest caught our attention. The Frisbee golf competition had begun. A mainstay of Queenstown Gardens year round there are marked posts to enable frisbee golfers or 'Frolfers' to land a frisbee in the chain mail netting in as least throws as possible. Our attempts to join the Frolfers was thwarted as the competition started a day earlier, likely while we were running semi-naked across the beach!\r\n\r\nAs we were somewhat delicate from the previous day's exertions we eventually took refuge in the lounge in front of the fire in our accommodation for the afternoon. Dusk settled in and pinky hues streamed between the mountains.\r\n\r\n
Hanging a sling at Lake Wanaka<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\nTraffic into Queenstown came to a standstill near the airport and we crawled slowly into town. We arrived only minutes before the fireworks were due to start. Parking back by our accommodation we ran the 1.5km into town as the first of the fireworks exploded in the darkened sky. Puffing and panting we joined the crowds around Lake Wakatipu as the fireworks display came to a climax. Streamers of coloured fire fell to the ground in the classic formations amid the synchronised \"ooh's and ahh's\" of the swelling crowd.\r\n\r\nJust as the last of the fireworks died away Nomad, a local band to Christchurch, began their set on centre stage. A solid outfit with a good sound and a strong following of girls indicated by the screaming up in front. Nomad kept the gathered crowd on their feet while the surrounding bar and food trucks were busy serving the festival goers into the evening.\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/slingadventures\/photos\/a.353730778360382.1073741828.343673129366147\/418014728598653\/\r\n
Jucy Undy 500<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: You do not need to be in an event to cover it.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nHaving watched the Mitre 10 MEGA Raft Race<\/em>\u00a0to begin day 3 it was now our turn to take centre stage in the Jucy Undy 500<\/em>. We were joined by a few other individuals whose sanity was also in question. We disrobed on the beach. A small tent provided some modesty and warmth prior to the starting whistle. While the only offical requiremnt was that you wore a pair of Jucy underwear, some optional fancy dress items were being adopted in the form of wigs, feather boas and bow ties to add a quirky flavour. A brave female competitor bringing her own costume, simply two furry stickers to cover her from the waist up!\r\n\r\nSo we were off! After the dash down the beach in ankle deep water we turned to return back up the beach through the maze of obstacles. I came unstuck on the first hurdle. You might say the mind was willing but the body was weak. Leaping to clear the first stack of hay bails, I clipped the top and fell face first on the beach, trampled by half my combatants in the process. Not to be beaten, I was back up entering the inflatable obstacle course. I hauled myself over an inflatable pyramid but tumbled head over heels down the other side. The rest of the field now took the opportunity to trample me on their way past to the finish.\r\n\r\nBattered and bruised, I limped over the line. Blood oozing from my frozen feet, scrapes down my back and my dignity firmly destroyed. The women were up next. Erin competitive in an equally challenging race. The commentators were I'm sure thankful that the furry stickers on the before-mentioned female entrant held firm over the obstacle course!\r\n\r\nStarting off the Jucy Indy 500<\/p><\/div>\r\n
Olympus Bobsled Championships<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: Focus on the guys in fancy dress.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBattered and bruised we both went directly from the shores of Lake Wakatipu up to the ski resort of Coronet Peak. Spectacular views were had in a clear afternoon looking towards the Remarkables. We both registered for the Olympus Bobsled race. From experience, one of the most dangerous crafts on a ski slope is a bobsled. Mainly because they have a mind of their own! Thankfully the organisers had a decent amount of safety barriers set up to catch wayward bobsledders.\r\n\r\nA decent Olympus camera package was up for grabs as well as a fancy dress prize. There was a shark, a tiger, two minions, a samurai (with sword) and a Donald Trump protester. \u00a0After a quick briefing we were off. The enthusiasm was just as high as the Undy 500. \u00a0Each competitor hurtling down the hill on a small disc of plastic and boy did they move! On crossing the finish line I dug my heels in as makeshift brakes and immediately got a face full of snow. \u00a0Blinded, I was unsure if I were going to hit anything, so for safety dug my heels in harder resulting in more snow shooting into my unprotected face. As I wiped the snow from my frozen face I realised I had won my heat! A trek back up to the starting line was my immediate reward.\r\n\r\nAlas, I was not as successful in the second heat, beaten by an inflatable shark. So I propped myself on the finish line to capture the final. A blue and yellow minion flashed past in a flurry of snow to take out the final and the substantial winner's prize.\r\n\r\nBack in Queenstown, an event which was not on the official agenda but arguably the main event in the entire country that evening was the rugby. The visiting British and Irish Lions took on the might of the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland. With both local support and expat support from the influx of seasonal workers, it was hard to tell who was the crowd favourite as we gathered in the crowded\u00a0Pub on Wharf<\/em>. After a close game, and an All Blacks win, we decided to have a nightcap at the Havana Bar located in the maze of lane ways in central Queenstown. A great atmosphere with cocktails flying thick and fast. We propped up our worn and tired bodies at the bar and consumed perhaps one too many cocktails to numb the pain.\r\n\r\n\r\nMacPac Skin to Summit & Frisbee Golf<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: Don't peak too soon.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA late and slow start to the final day of the festival. After our slight over indulgence the night before, we actually missed the 7am MacPac Skin to Summit<\/em> back up at Coronet Peak where skiers skate up the main slope. Instead, we enjoyed a tasty breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder<\/em>\u00a0then strolled along the iconic waterfront to the delightful Queenstown Gardens. A rattle of a chain in between the tall pine forest caught our attention. The Frisbee golf competition had begun. A mainstay of Queenstown Gardens year round there are marked posts to enable frisbee golfers or 'Frolfers' to land a frisbee in the chain mail netting in as least throws as possible. Our attempts to join the Frolfers was thwarted as the competition started a day earlier, likely while we were running semi-naked across the beach!\r\n\r\nAs we were somewhat delicate from the previous day's exertions we eventually took refuge in the lounge in front of the fire in our accommodation for the afternoon. Dusk settled in and pinky hues streamed between the mountains.\r\n\r\n
Starting off the Jucy Indy 500<\/p><\/div>\r\n
Olympus Bobsled Championships<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: Focus on the guys in fancy dress.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBattered and bruised we both went directly from the shores of Lake Wakatipu up to the ski resort of Coronet Peak. Spectacular views were had in a clear afternoon looking towards the Remarkables. We both registered for the Olympus Bobsled race. From experience, one of the most dangerous crafts on a ski slope is a bobsled. Mainly because they have a mind of their own! Thankfully the organisers had a decent amount of safety barriers set up to catch wayward bobsledders.\r\n\r\nA decent Olympus camera package was up for grabs as well as a fancy dress prize. There was a shark, a tiger, two minions, a samurai (with sword) and a Donald Trump protester. \u00a0After a quick briefing we were off. The enthusiasm was just as high as the Undy 500. \u00a0Each competitor hurtling down the hill on a small disc of plastic and boy did they move! On crossing the finish line I dug my heels in as makeshift brakes and immediately got a face full of snow. \u00a0Blinded, I was unsure if I were going to hit anything, so for safety dug my heels in harder resulting in more snow shooting into my unprotected face. As I wiped the snow from my frozen face I realised I had won my heat! A trek back up to the starting line was my immediate reward.\r\n\r\nAlas, I was not as successful in the second heat, beaten by an inflatable shark. So I propped myself on the finish line to capture the final. A blue and yellow minion flashed past in a flurry of snow to take out the final and the substantial winner's prize.\r\n\r\nBack in Queenstown, an event which was not on the official agenda but arguably the main event in the entire country that evening was the rugby. The visiting British and Irish Lions took on the might of the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland. With both local support and expat support from the influx of seasonal workers, it was hard to tell who was the crowd favourite as we gathered in the crowded\u00a0Pub on Wharf<\/em>. After a close game, and an All Blacks win, we decided to have a nightcap at the Havana Bar located in the maze of lane ways in central Queenstown. A great atmosphere with cocktails flying thick and fast. We propped up our worn and tired bodies at the bar and consumed perhaps one too many cocktails to numb the pain.\r\n\r\n\r\nMacPac Skin to Summit & Frisbee Golf<\/h2>\r\nLesson learnt: Don't peak too soon.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA late and slow start to the final day of the festival. After our slight over indulgence the night before, we actually missed the 7am MacPac Skin to Summit<\/em> back up at Coronet Peak where skiers skate up the main slope. Instead, we enjoyed a tasty breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder<\/em>\u00a0then strolled along the iconic waterfront to the delightful Queenstown Gardens. A rattle of a chain in between the tall pine forest caught our attention. The Frisbee golf competition had begun. A mainstay of Queenstown Gardens year round there are marked posts to enable frisbee golfers or 'Frolfers' to land a frisbee in the chain mail netting in as least throws as possible. Our attempts to join the Frolfers was thwarted as the competition started a day earlier, likely while we were running semi-naked across the beach!\r\n\r\nAs we were somewhat delicate from the previous day's exertions we eventually took refuge in the lounge in front of the fire in our accommodation for the afternoon. Dusk settled in and pinky hues streamed between the mountains.\r\n\r\n
\r\n