Down the west coast

So I think I'm figuring out that you need to load the pictures first and write later. Yeah, I'm dumb, but am ok with that. Even dumber after looking at the preview and seeing that I screwed something up.

Anyhow, I just arrived in Westport on the upper northwest coast. My plan is to make my way down south and possibly head back down towards the Wanaka area. If I recall it's about 600 kms or so down that way. Pray for good weather and sandflies to find other people to bite. Ha!

After leaving Wanaka 3 days ago I headed to Christchurch for a couple of days and caught the Ben Harper / Pearl Jam concert. Fantastic. Eddie Vedder and crew sang over 25 songs and Ben put on a pretty good show to boot. High light was during Ben's stint on stage when Eddie came out to help him cover Under Pressure. Couldn't have picked a better song to duo.

Stopped at the Clay Cliffs (middle left) on the way over to Chch. Other pics are from today's stop over at Castle Rocks, just east of Arthur's Pass, which lies in the middle of the Southern Alps on the way to the west coast. I was dreaming of spending some time here (as you can see in my zen moment from up close and afar), gorgeous limestone, climbing etc, etc. That will be my next trip or I'll just have Jason spend a small fortune and send my climbing gear from Seattle. Hope everyone is well and had a lovely T-day. Miss you all.

Keas and calving glaciers

Beautiful hike about an hour north of Wanaka in Mt. Aspiring National Park. Headed up to see Rob Roy Peak and its receding glacier. Waterfalls were everywhere and the hike itself, which wandered through the forest, felt more like the Pacific Northwest. All in all an easy hike with absolutely stunning views.

Selling my bike and settling in

Not really, but the gail force wind in my face for 60 miles has me thinking about it. Just arrived in Wanaka, 3 days and roughly 200 miles later from Dunedin. Spent the last two nights camping and with the current wind/shoulder burn I've settled down in the Wanaka Backpacka for tonight and possibly the next few days. Looking forward to exploring this bustling little mountain town by the lake.

After Christchurch we expedited Jon's time and bused it down to Dunedin. Biked out to the Otago Peninsula for yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, NZ sea lions and the giant albatross. Rained most of the time, but what are you gonna do? Rented a car for Jon's last day and headed up to Moeraki to check out the boulders (which definitely lived up to the hype) and eat at the famous Fleurs restaurant (which of course was closed on Wednesdays). It's been busy, but has slowed down just a bit. Looking for a little R and R over the next few days before I head out to the west coast. Ahhh, sand flies, rain and of course more rain. Can't wait.

My day off the bike.....go figure

Marborough wine tour pics

The wind is always slapping me in the face

I think it goes without saying, especially for those who cycle, that there is never a time when the wind is at your back. Left Gore Bay, camping right above the beach, in a downpour. The first 50 miles were brutal, with the wind more demoralizing than ever. We rode out the storm, or it blew past us, leaving us with the last 30 miles of sunshine and less wind down into Christchurch. We'll stay here for a few days with some friends of friends and then head down to Dunedin on Saturday.

The nutshell: Left Nelson last Thursday to St. Arnaud (hellish hill climbing), where we camped at a beautiful alpine lake. On to Blenheim the next day (long day 82 mi. and more punishing wind). Took the next day off so to speak and rode around 30 mi. to various wineries in the famous Marlborough region. Zipped out to Hanmer Springs for a day of rest and hit the hotsprings (small mountain town, much like Durango). In Kaikura the following day for some whale/dolphin watching, but was canceled due to inclimate weather. Rode 50 miles down to Gore Bay and then on into Christchurch.

50 miles and I'm Abel Tasman's new best friend

Just returned to Nelson after a fantastic ride up along the northeastern coast, wine country, of the Tasman Sea. Camped, kayaked and then camped again up against the Abel Tasman National Park. Spent yesterday paddling around Fisherman and Adele Island, tramping up and over one of the ridges and down to Torrent Bay, then kayaking back along a handful of the golden beaches preceeding the town of Marahau. Saw New Zealand sea lions, penquins, oystercatchers and herons. Lucked out on the weather once again. Saw an amazing moon rise from the camp shore, large, bold and bright yellow as it came over Adele Island casting its glow over the sea. Seemed like you could reach out and grab it. Off for Kaikoura along the eastcoast on a long early ride tomorrow. Should be there in three days or so.

Loving the south island

Took the ferry from Wellington to Picton just a few days ago. Had one of the nicest rides thus far from the port to Pelorus Bridge where we camped next to the Pelorus River, about a 35 mile ride. Prior to starting though we stopped at a Dutch bakkerij for some good eating. We started to climb immediately out of town. It was rolling and winding all along the northern coast, taking us in and out of small bays. Stopped in Havelock and ate two bowls of the world's best green mussels, half of them steamed and the other grilled on the half-shell. Fantastic.

Day two, on the way over to Nelson, we had to extremely long climbs, the Rai Valley and Whangamoa Saddles. With just under 40 more miles behind us we rode into Nelson. We stopped at a wonderful pub called the Sprig and Fern Tavern. A fish and chips place was next door and brought us our lunch while we enjoyed a bit of relaxation and sun. We finished off the days ride with a gut wrenching climb up to J and Rose's house.

A great place to rest some weary bones, their house sits atop a hill overlooking Tasmen Bay; the view is spectacular. It would be easy to call this town home....hmmm. Anyhow, J, Rose and their son Tas have been the most gracious of hosts. Veggie lasagna and cold beer awaited us when we first arrived. Tas was booted from his room and now is sleeping on the couch, which I don't think he minds all too much actually. The next morning we all set out on a hike circumnavigating one of the valleys sitting behind Nelson. Again, beautiful. After hiking for 3 hours and reaching the top the idea was to then run the final 4km down an old logging road. We did, I did and now my knees are hating me. Thought last nights rest would take care of it, but hopefully that'll work itself out on today's ride. Heading out to the Abel Tasman National Park for a couple nights of camping and a day of kayaking. Hope to update again soon.