Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Day 23 Franz Josef
10.45 a.m and sitting on the bed writing the blog and listening to the news. Staying here for another day but weather is very grey, raining with low cloud unable to see the mountains this morning, hopefully it will clear up. Went up to the Glacier this afternoon along the Glacier View Road, most people tend to go to the car park and then walk from there, but not us . . . we walked only 5k though. The Glacier looked pretty dirty apparently covered with sand from Austrailia at present but still impressive. Managed to get a lift back from a couple of people that we keep running into . . . great!
Day 24 Franz Josef to Jacob River
First 8K quite flat before the first climb of the day Onoeroa Mountain 320 metres and then Waikukupa 405 metres and lastly another at 410 m for 18k. Came into Fox Glacier for a well deserved coffee. The roads travel through dense rain forests, lakes and isolated farms. The climbs were hard and nearly ran out of gears even down to the small chainring. Descents around hair-pin bends very fast (Keith and Spencer would love them) not me!!!!! but Keith ...that's my Keith. . . flew down them. Booked motel room back at Franz Josef and it's fine. Nearly all the accommodation is in a time-warp (1960) resembling Pontins Chalets.
Day 25 Jacob River - Hasst
That was a lovely bed last night prbably the best!!! but we were very tired after the 75k. This morning is beautiful very sunny if not a little chilly. Rolling through the countryside with mountains always a backdrop, some covered with snow. Into Bruces Bay with all the sculptures along the foreshore, and then travelling around the coastline. We met a couple who were travelling in a Burstner motorhome, but much larger than our one. Of course we stopped and had a chat and got bitten by the sandflies. . . time to move on. In total 90k today with 8k of steep climbs over Knights Point. (Thanks for the e-mail Ann and Tony, yes we are covering all the places you mentioned, lovely to hear from you). Arrived in Haast about 4 p.m. really nice here may stay for another day. Met a nice couple from Texas, and the owner wanted us to buy the motel from him when he retires . . .no way, it's killing him!!!
Day 26 Haast
Yes, we decided to stay and got up quite late. Had a short ride (40k) around the area and then Keith cleaned the bikes up . . . second time since we arrived. The Kiwi's buy holiday homes around here for when Wanaka gets too cold in the winter they come here to their beautiful beaches which are completely deserted. Weather great, so sorry about yours we are thinking about you all, but not for long (only kidding). Lee, Dad sent a few clothes home so they should arrive sometime in the next few days - hope you two are fine and pleased that you had a lovely Valentines Day together - that's what it's all about.
Day 27 Haast to Makarora
Early start today with 80k ahead of us, 40k steady climbing and then 10k climbing to 470 metres, winding through beech forests, open riverflats and mountains. Lovely ride except for the Southern Alps all around us, who put them there!!!! but it wouldn't be the same without them, so spectacular to see. Arrived at the only motel in Makarora and tonight we are sleeping in an A frame chalet. Thanks Dean, great to hear from you but there was a slight flaw in your message you still referred to Keith's Chair so we realize that you do care really and miss him a lot!!!!! Thanks to all of our family and friends out there, it's great to hear from you especially the new ones that come on line, Pete and Peg, Julia and Brian. Sorry also that I missed your call before we left Chris, but we are pleased that you and Martin are keeping up the the blog.
Day 28 Makarora - Wanaka
Left at 9.30 am, good nights sleep except for the animal rummaging through our bags, Keith still thinks I was dreamin but go up at 4.00 am to check! Pouring with rain this morning, but set off through rolling terrain (hilly) today. Talked with Scott and Katie from Montana who were hiking though NZ but said they were encouraged to return to bkies after seeing 2 old uns from England getting along. 10K into the ride and on the climb of "The Neck' we met a Swiss couple also cycling who were to be our companions for the rather taxing 65k ride to Wanaka. Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain ranges prove to be the most spectacular to date. Ready for the shower on arrival. Something to mention to David and Pauline is that this would be a brilliant venue for a motorcycle tour, there are loads of bikers over here doing just that. Still having problems uploading the pictures will have to find someone who knows something about computers to help us!
- comments
bald fat bloke A lot of references to sleep, beds, rest... whats that all about? I thought this was an action holiday!
mr happy Concur with bald fat bloke. Wern't you supposed to do some cycling or something. All this sleep. Waikukupa!! is that like a goblin teas made or what.Sun out here today but doubt it will last. Going to see my favourite Irish Nurse next week Anjie O'gram. Then off to sort out dry rot. Maybe I should start a blog. Stating the obvious but you don't have to go to NZ to find Wanaka's we have plenty in Croydon. I currently have exciting head cold, but I'll try not to let it soften me too much.
Brian and Julia G'day Keith and Maureen You 2 are an inspriation to everyone.Well done so far and keep up the good work and continue to enjoy NZ. It is a very special place..You could always buy Cyclists Retreat and meet all those wonderful people like Keith and Maureen!!!!!!!!!!! We have had 2 UK couples lately but not as exciting and interesting like you2 We would like you to make the opportunity to stay with us again, this time as our guests and friends.If this is not possible we could meet you in CHC for a day out and a meal at night Or both options. You shud now be having more settled weather as we go nearer to march Keep up the blog.We read them with admiration Today we are off to the local Horse reces.Once every 10 years and a fun day out with a real country atmosphere.Pretty laid back as you would expect. Have a good day for the days riding ahead Regards Brian and Julia