(you can click on the pix to see them larger, then close back to the blog. Captions generally below the picture)
Bikes loaded on to Kaitaki for the 9:15am crossing from Wellington to Picton. Really taken by the little old Indian motorcycle that parked next to me!
We were entertained on the crossing by this duo, who had quite a nice mellow sound. To my 'ear' anyway!
After meeting Trev at Picton, and booking into Sequoia Lodge Backpackers we took off in great weather round the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive to Linkwater, where we turned off and rode the kinky road to The Portage Resort on Kenepuru Sound. (Note to self when riding aggressively: darkside tyre puts heaps of added performance pressure on rear brakes, causes massive fade and fluid cooking).
Clive and Trev
Johnny and Lorraine
Grant, Karol, followed by Richard
Richard had a tee shirt which read "With great beard, comes great responsibility" or something similar.
Views at Portage Lodge.
Well, it was a hot day, and my brakes were overheating a little! Must have been a resort - the pint cost $9!
Back in Picton, we settled in at the RSA for a drink and dinner.
I found I could drink much more moderately with a 5oz glass and a jug. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
In the morning we rode south to Seddon for breakfast, then went on to Hanmer Springs via Kaikoura, and the Mt Lyford backroad between the inner and outer Kaikoura ranges.
Alan's breakfast at Seddon - maggot pack and a sausage. On holiday from cholesterol worry for the weekend!
Of course, I was very healthy and had poached eggs on toast!
Leaving Seddon.
Stopped on the Kaikoura coast hoping to see the seal pups in the nearby stream, however, they were all out at a swimming lesson while we were there!
On the road to Hanmer came across these GN125 Suzukis loaded for bear. Three of them, a couple and one other chap, having a great touring holiday and probably without speed ticket stress!
After Hanmer Springs we rode the Lewis Pass and on to Nelson where we stayed at a big backpackers' which was so full of youngsters it was like a 'Home and Away' set. I reckon we raised the age average to about 23! Before booking in we stopped at the NZ Classic Motorcycles Museum (see earlier Blog post)
Paradiso Backpackers in Nelson, in a big old homestead. Clive, Richard, Karol, Grant, Trev. The green bus in the background was fitted out as a movie theatre. Al and Fresco were beside the pool.
We went for an exercise walk round the corner to the Sprig and Fern Tavern, the neighbourhood local. They had a nice house brew, and I found myself suffering at times with the affliction on the chalk board.
Moi, Clive, Alan.
Next day, after a free breakfast at the backpackers' we headed out of Nelson toward Picton, but turned off at the Rai Valley to go to Okiwi Bay. Another gorgeous day.
Stopped at Pelorus Bridge, cafe for lunch. I chose this spot to have my obligatory rally maggot pack on the trip. The gourmet steak and cheese pie was beautiful. Washed down with a very nice iced coffee.
The waitress took our picture, L-R: Alan, Ali, Trev, Johnny, Lorraine, Howard, Clive, Karol, Grant, Richard.
Downstream of the bridge - folks swimming. Pelorus Jack, the dolphin used to swim up from the sea to this spot.
Back at Picton, we spent time at the town overlook watching as Kaitaki came in. Alan, Ali and Clive headed off and wangled an early sailing, and we stayed up there in the sunshine until we could see them safely boarded and off the island.
Later in the afternoon we went walkabout in the town. Trevor and I walked around the marina. Looked at boats and I had a paddle in the sea to freshen my toes. Talking of toes I'm told there were lots of camels at the waterfront - something to do with the number of sunbathers. Then to the RSA again for dinner before retiring again at Sequoia Lodge.
After a leisurely breakfast, Trevor, Richard, Grant, Karol and I rode out over the hill to Rarangi Beach from Tuamarina that links up with the Port Underwood Road. I'd never been there so I really enjoyed seeing what was at the end of a road we usually fly past on the way to or from the ferry. The lookouts, tidal caves, and Monkey Bay were especially interesting.
We arrived back in Picton in plenty of time to catch our 2:15pm ferry. A southerly change had come in and it tried to rain (didn't). The strait was supposed to be hit by 45kt southerly winds and 2m swells. However, the crossing was still quite smooth.
The ship in front is the Bluebridge Straitsman, which is usually slower and we would pass it mid-strait. However this time I think our skipper was sympathetic to us and took us on a slower, more southern track - the Straitsman beat us in by quite a margin.
The ride home to Palmerston North was uneventful except for bumper-to-bumper slow traffic the first hour, and strong easterly side winds the second! Never mind, the Vulcan powered through it all - thank goodness for lane splitting (even if some envious dog-in-a-manger drivers don't like to give you an inch of space).
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