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  • Trevor and Robyn

Biking and other stuff

Planning to trip around down south, do some biking and visit place and people - generally have fun. Read more
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  • Trip start
    February 22, 2022
    Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    2
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    Crossing the gap

    February 23, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    It's sunny as we begin to enter the sounds. The strait was windy, but only little swell - Gran and Pop stayed outside alone from the start, but we have more company now. I think we are feeling well enough to go inside for scones and coffeeRead more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler

    A Long day

    February 23, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Arrived late this afternoon in Kaikoura and found our overnight motel after a bit of tiki touring.
    Unpacked a few essentials, had a cuppa and then a little nap. It's been a long day.
    Had lunch at Blenheim at a nice little cafe/restaurant by the river. Very pleasant - pork sliders and a cheese board.
    The drive to Kaikoura from Blenheim is surprisingly long.
    Tomorrow we will trek further south.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    SH 70
    It was a crowded room last nightWe went for a drive and walk last evening

    The Long and Winding Road.......

    February 24, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    So today ended up to be another long driving day. We woke up nice and early after a super sleep - it was so needed. Breakfast in bed (no room to eat anywhere else) and were getting ready to pack and leave when I heard on the radio that SH 1 was closed due to truck and trailer accident and all traffic was diverted west on SH 70. And what a highway !!!! Lots of tight corners, single lane bridges and totally off grid.
    But before we headed off we stopped in town for a coffee - it was lovely sitting in the morning sun. Not so on the drive along SH 70 where it was as cold as 13 and cloudy. We stopped for lunch at Pukeko Junction near Amberley.
    Then onto Ashburton - got here by 3:00.
    Nan looks great and was welcoming.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    2Flower garden at the West Street entrance
    1I took a photo at this spot a year or two ago. Very colourful today.

    A day to relax

    February 25, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Yes a chance to relax and catch our breathe. It was a nice sunny day - a little cool early and 23c by mid afternoon.
    We started the day with Wordle and then called Mary to wish her a happy birthday.

    Last night we read about the plan to restore the old Chinese houses that belonged to the Kings and Ngs with a photo of Yep Ng - I worked for the Kings/Ngs when at High School, so decided to try and make contact - using a Facebook post we got a contact phone number. So this morning I rang and had a long conversation with Yep.

    Lorraine came down at midday and we went out to Lake Hood for lunch. It was a great lunch and a chance to catch up with her.
    Very quiet for the rest of the afternoon.
    Tomorrow hope to get a ride in, before heading south on Sunday.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler

    A ride and some rain

    February 26, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    We went through the fairly normal routines of breakfast, coffee and Wordle and decided to go for a ride before the southerly arrived.
    This would be our last ride before tackling the first leg of the Rail Trail on Tuesday.
    It was a fairly easy ride and we were happy.
    Then the showers arrived and the temperature dropped.
    So we resorted to the usual indoor things to occupy our time.
    We did some grocery shopping for Nan and for us too. Got another coffee at the Triangle Cafe right on closing time.
    So tomorrow we will head south to meet with Mary and Bob and then on to Wanaka and the start of the fun part of our trip.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    1Lake Tekapo - this image was going to be my 52 Frames submission for this week until I saw the Packa
    Tekapo1One of three Packards at OmaramaOur cabin for the night - thanks Nick & Susan

    Heading further South

    February 27, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Today we made our way south to Wanaka. We left Nan at about 9:30 and it was drizzling and 11 degrees.
    Arrived at Mary & Bobs at around 10:30 and had a sit and some coffee and a good catch up. And so it was an hour later that we got back on the road.
    We took the Tekapo route as it was more interesting . As we got nearer to Tekapo we could see that the cloud was lifting, so that when we arrived at the lake there was a lot of blue sky and the temperature in the sun was lovely. We used the local conveniences and then a wander down to the lake. It was just lovely and relaxing.
    Back on the road we decided to have lunch in Omarama at a place called The Wrinkly Rams - it was full on sun by then and much warmer. The Cafe was very busy with quite a crowd mainly outside. We enjoyed our lunch and while we were there 4 or 5 vintage cars pulled into the carpark - several Rolls Royces and 2 or 3 Packards. A great chance to get some photos.
    Then we pushed on to Wanaka and the temp reached a heady 21 degrees - the best for the day. Found our cabin and sat in the sun, shoes off and had some tea.
    Tonight we went downtown and went to Francesco's for pizza and Montepulciano - and had a fun time there.
    Tomorrow we will travel to Omakau and prepare for our first ride.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler

    Near the start line.....

    February 28, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today was a very relaxing day - up not too early - breakfast, packed and check out of our cabin. Down town for coffee in the sun and a quiet walk along the lake beach front while Gran and Mary looked at a few shops. The sun was out and it felt warm.
    Then we were in the cars and heading east towards Omakau - out starting point for the first trail ride.
    We had lunch along the way at Cromwell, got some petrol and stone fruit then drove along the far side of Lake Dunstan - the scene of our last ride in about a weeks time and noted the hilly sections!!! There were several bikers doing the ride, but not that many - Monday's must be quiet.
    Not far from Omakau we came across a "fence of broken down bikes" - dozens and dozens of old bikes in broken states. Very cool.
    We are staying in the old Post Office and it is interesting with old furnishings and some of the old post office fittings - there are two massive deer heads and antlers on one wall.
    We checked in with Shebikeshebikes and Gran collected her E Bike that she will use for the next two days - got all of the instructions and tools. Then we all went for a short ride to Ophir and as far as the bridge - then stopped at a pub and sat outside drinking a beer.
    Tonight we had dinner at the Hotel next door to our Post Office accommodation.
    Three of us had Blue Cod Tacos - they were rather yummy.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    On the start line
    111

    On the trail at last....

    March 1, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Today started out very busy - breakfast first, pack our night bag for on-transfer to our overnight stay, prepare the biking gear and pack the cases for storage in our cars for them to be driven to Hyde.
    But we managed to be ready to start at 9:30. And we were off......
    It was merely 8km along the trail when we arrived in Lauder and saw a cafe and decided it was time for coffee. There were many riders there doing the same thing and it was super enjoying good coffee in the sun.
    Back on the ride. This time it would be a fair hike before lunch - a further 22k. There are two tunnels on this section and before the first we came across a small group having a chat and it included two women on horseback - we stopped too - one named Hawk was a beautiful Appaloosa. The first tunnel was very dark inside.
    We stopped along the way to take photos or for water intake. As you might guess the scenery was beautiful in places.
    The trail has varied surfaces - some time a pea like gravel or just crushed rock - so it was not fast riding as we are used to on limestone.
    We had lunch in a cafe near Oterehua at an old mechanics yard. There was quite a crowd there and had a superb lunch - god I was hungry.
    That left us with about 12k to our accommodation at Mt Ida Farmstay, near Wedderburn. But this was the hardest part - a steady rise and it was hard - Gran however was getting used to her E Bike by then and decided to stretch it - I tried for a few km to keep up, but left me in the dust - Bob and Mary were behind me.
    So we sleep tonight in an old homestead - very comfortable. We had a spa before bed.
    We had dinner down at the Wedderburn hotel - and a good meal it was.
    The trail has been fun and at times hard work - a little tedious at times too - some very long straight sections - one in particular must have been more than 4km straight.
    We have been impressed how seriously everyone we have come in contact with is taking Covid protocols - always masks, QR scan and passports. We couldn't get a beer at one pub in Ophir because Robyn didn't have her phone (passport) with her - by the time we called into the next pub I remembered I had her passport on my phone.
    So tomorrow it's on to Hyde and a little further but it's down hill riding.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    2
    This was taken yesterday at Lauder1Also taken yesterday - drink stopThis morning - loved the golden grassesGran on a straight stretch of the trailThe Taieri river

    Day two - Mt Ida Homestead to Hyde

    March 2, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    Our morning at Mt Ida Homestead started with a couple of surprises - firstly we were greeted at our front door by a large black pig - she was very friendly and eventually went her own way and then having discovered how cold it was outside we realised that there been a frost - according to people we later met it was between 2 and 4 degrees of frost.
    We packed our overnight bag once more and prepared our riding machines. And we were off - the air sure was cold and fingers got a little sore. Our first stop was at the Wedderburn railway station where lots of photos are taken and Bob took one of us. The trails were more level - less hills today.
    We had to wait a little longer today for coffee, which we got after about 16km at Ranfurly. The day was a lot warmer when we arrived at the cafe along with other bikers. The coffee was great and we bought some sandwiches for lunch later. We went for a quick walk around town and that included an interesting Art Deco museum.
    Back on our bikes and we rode through some beautiful scenery, lots of bridges and viaducts - and one tunnel. We have met groups of people today as for yesterday - some people we have bumped into many times - they stop for a drink or toilet and we pass them, then later they pass us. All very friendly.
    As we got closer to Hyde the countryside was great - big black rocks and hills, streams and later the Taieri River.
    About 10km from Hyde we came across a biker trying to repair a flat tyre - we stopped to help but couldn't get the tyre to hold air - we took his name and said we would ride on and contact his bike hirer - Essam was his name and before we had gone far rescue arrived. Because we had set off for help we missed an opportunity to sit in the valley to eat our lunch - which we ended up having in Hyde at a coffee takeaway - how fortuities.
    At Hyde we got our car back and loaded up for the drive back to Omakau and then our nights accommodation near Alexandra.
    So to complete our day we went into town for Thai.
    So we rode approximately 45km today it was less strenuous with some great scenery. We rest tomorrow and spend the night in Roxburgh. Our next ride is on Friday when we do the first leg of the Clutha Gold trail.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    1

    Quiet Day in south

    March 3, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    The most exciting thing we did today was to talk with Phinn on the phone for his birthday .... oh yes and I got Wordle in 3.
    No hurry leaving Alexandra this morning and a chance to sort out our luggage that had got a little jumbled. We went into Alexandra for coffee to the Court House which surprisingly was closing at 11:00 - short of staff so open 7:00 to 11:00.
    Then back to Clyde to sort out some of the uncertain arrangements with Shebikeshebikes and a wander about the streets in the sun.
    We drove to Roxburgh for lunch and good coffee at the 103 The Store, a visit to the supermarket and then around to our accommodation for the night.
    So not a lot to report - we planned this as a rest day and I think we achieved that.
    Tomorrow we do the first leg of the Clutha Gold trail which is about 40km - this is a different trail and we are looking forward to some new scenery. Bob and I will need to head off early to move some overnight gear to Beaumont.
    Gran is back on her own bike - we'll be able to keep up with her.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler

    Clutha is gold

    March 4, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    In short the Clutha trail is great. More interesting trail - fantastic scenery.
    We started early - we are getting pretty slick at packing and organizing cases, bikes and cars.
    Bob and I drove to Beaumont with our overnight bags - we are staying at the old Beaumont School - it is set up for homestays.
    And back to Roxburgh - final packing - cars staying at Roxburgh - Shebikeshebikes drive them to Lawrence where we will finish tomorrow. Mary and Robyn picked up our lunch order from 103 The Store.
    We left Roxburgh just after 9:30 and immediately the trail was different - bends, corners, uphill and down.
    The sun soon broke through the clouds and the temp warmed up.
    This was a great trail and I think we all enjoyed it - we took in the scenery and stopped to take photos of it.
    We stopped at Miller's Flat for coffee and cake - this was a good break at about half way.
    It was in the 2nd half we experienced the uphill trails and there was some tough biking, but we all made it even though there was some walking.
    We stopped for a breather, then decided to have lunch under a magnificent chestnut tree - sitting on the grass eating our sandwiches while a bellbird sang and flew about us.
    We did some more hills and stopped at a grave site where "Someone's darling" was buried - a interesting story about a seemingly unknown person was buried in the 1860s.
    Then on to Beaumont and the school.
    A cuppa sitting in the sun - our sticky buns. A little nap, washed the bikes, did some washing and had the most wonderful shower ever.
    We walk down to the local pub and joined a largish crowd of locals and workers. All four of us ordered the whitebait with chips and salad.
    It will be early to bed tonight and a leisurely start in the morning - only a 20km ride to Lawrence.
    There is a shortage of photos currently - I have lots on my camera, but can't transfer them here, Bob has some on his phone but comms are poor in Beaumont.
    Just to repeat today's message - it was a bloody good ride!    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    1This was taken yesterday when we had lunch under the Chestnut tree
    Yesterday at the Lonely Graves

    There's gold in them thare hills.....

    March 5, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    So today was a shorter ride but we had to deal with a hill and that was a challenge.
    We started the day without rushing - packed our overnight bags and left them in the pump house for picking up later in the day.
    Mary says we started at 10:25 and we were off heading towards Lawrence, it was later that we realised that the climb began immediately and it was steady until we had a steep climb which ended at a long tunnel - it was clear that there was more to that hill but the railways decided to build a tunnel and we were grateful for that. And then we began a gradual decline which made the trail more comfortable and more fun.
    The trail was not a picturesque as the first day - riding alongside the road often and skirting the edges of farms.
    We arrived just after 12:00 and stopped at a cafe for coffee and fresh muffins. We struck up a conversation with a couple sitting outside the cafe and mentioned that we were doing next Lake Dunstan and it turned out that the husband was the guy who was attacked by the ram - we heard the story in full and saw his injuries.
    We decided to go for walk around Lawrence and then picked up our cars, loaded the bikes and off back to our chalet at Alexandra - stopping off at Millars Flat for lunch (and of course another coffee).
    Got to our chalet and unpacked - Mary, Robyn and I went for a swim to cool off and generally relaxed.
    Bob & and went back into town to get stuff for a bbq dinner and a bottle of Pinot Noir.
    It's been a pretty good day and a relaxing evening.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    This was of a fisherman at Alexandra
    Clutha - 1st day1Clutha - day 1Clutha - day 1Clutha - day 1Near Lawrence

    Changes.....

    March 6, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Today was another rest day - a relaxed breakfast and a discussion about the pending weather change - Monday is the day we have booked for the Lake Dunstan trail ride and we weren't that keen on riding in the rain from the point of safety and enjoyment. So we headed into Clyde to meet with Shebikeshebikes to see if we could change the date. And they were ok with that - so we will do the ride on Thursday - we will need to travel back from Queenstown, but that won't be a problem. We move our base to Queenstown on Tuesday.
    We had coffee in Clyde and had a bit of a wander again - then back home. Our accommodation is pretty much midway between Alexandra and Clyde.
    We had a light lunch and then a nap. The rest of the afternoon was - books, photos and phones.
    We went into Alexandra for groceries for tonights dinner - it was Gran's turn to cook. We also got a pack of RATs in the groceries too - so we can test ourselves before returning to Nan's house.
    I had time today to update some of the scenery shots I have taken and these are attached.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler

    We got it right...

    March 7, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We woke up this morning to light misty rain and as the morning wore on it became steady rain, so we were pleased that we had made the right decision to postpone the Lake Dunstan ride.
    But that left us with a day to fill in and we managed to do that with very little energy required.
    Breakfast and social media kept us busy until it was time to head out for lunch - we went into Alexandra to a place called Industrial Lane - the Rail Trail goes right past it - so it would be busy in more normal times.
    Got some more groceries and somethings for dinner and returned home via Earnscleugh and Clyde.
    Mary cooked us a great dinner with salmon - another bottle of Pinot Noir - then a lie in the spa - then tea and cake for dessert.
    It's hard work this biking.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    Cromwell
    Probably our start line too for Thursday2Roaring Meg21Queenstown airport looking from near our place (with a Western look)

    Shifted camp....

    March 8, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We awoke to a lovely dawn this morning and made preparations to move to our new accommodation in Queenstown. We are pretty good at packing up and loading the car - Nick told me before we left Wellington that we would and as usual he was right!
    We decided to take our coffee at Cromwell and we went down to the old town and found that many of people there were preparing to set out on the Lake Dunstan trail - before as we drove from Clyde to Cromwell we noted the bikers on the trail and looked out for Mum's friend Judith who was riding it with her husband ( Mum has since spoken to Judith and she seems to have completed the trail without incident - so that's comforting).
    It was such a lovely day and it was pleasant to be enjoying the sun again.
    We drove up the Kawarau gorge - stopping off at the Roaring Meg for photos.
    We got to our house in "Shotover Country" and unpacked.
    Then we decided to go to a winery for lunch - our house owner had recommended Akarua Winery and it was a great choice. We sat out under trees in an open courtyard. We went for a platter with some additional plates and a glass of their wine - the girls Pinot Noir and Bob and I a dry Riesling.
    We so enjoyed the lunch and wine in such a lovely situation.
    Then we came back home and have done little since - Robyn & Mary went for a walk and I took a few more photos.
    Some TV and very soon bed.
    Tomorrow we think we will go for a sort ride and its been a few days now since we were on a bike.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    At the tip of Kelvin Penisula1Some arty goats at the end of the peninsula - there were many art structures on the rideLooking back towards Queenstown proper

    We're going to stay here for a bit....

    March 9, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    We decided today to stay another day and negotiated that with the house owner - we figured that we could be quite tired tomorrow evening and getting up and on the road might be a struggle - and after all we are on holiday and we are old too and we can do what we like.
    And today was a good example of people like us - we had a relaxed start to the day and decided to get in a warm up ride, seeing that is about 4 or 5 days since we last rode our bikes. So we geared up and drove down to an are near Kawarau Bridge where a trail started - Kelvin Peninsula trail - it was about 13 or 14 km - a good warm up. Great trail that rode out to the point near a very posh golf course - a windy trail through trees at times. It was pretty hot when we finished so we were thirsty and need of a rest when we returned home.
    At about 3 we decided to head out for lunch and Gran lead us to a new housing area and we stumbled upon a pub/restaurant. We had Blue Cod Tacos and Mary and Bob niçoise salad.
    A beer and coffee and we felt pretty good - bought two pizzas to takeaway and they were our tea.
    Then it was home for a wee nap,
    Later we went to buy some petrol - just to keep our tanks full - and got some groceries, that included some snacks for the ride tomorrow.
    I had a call this afternoon from Roy Fraser who is with a group of riders from CHB (mostly Rotarians) and they are riding tomorrow too - and it turns out we are starting from the same end so we will get together on the start line - I think for many of them it will be the last we see of them before we finish.
    We will need to gather our things together tonight - early start in the morning - a little over an hours drive in the morning.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler
    Looking back to Kawarau River
    First stop overlooking Kawarau RiverCoffee stopSomewhere up highAt the trig station1On a clip-on

    Dunstan Done...

    March 10, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Just to set the scene - we had a fabulous day - the weather was great, the trail was super and the scenery outstanding - and the company was fantastic too.
    The day started early 5:45 with ablutions and showers - breakfast, packing and on the road for Clyde just after 7:30 as we had planned - we had to be at Shebikeshebikes by 9:00.
    All of the hire bikes were lined up on the station platform - they occupy the old Clyde railway station. We packed all our supplies and emergency stuff into the paniers and after gear adjustments got our bike instructions and a quick test drive and the bikes were loaded onto the trailer and us into the van.
    It was a quick drive to Cromwell and then last minute preparations before we were off. We caught up with the Waipukurau lot as they headed off and we left 10 minutes after them.
    We started out on a pretty easy section that took us out around the Bannockburn area which includes a bridge across the Kawarau River. Then we climbed up to a beautiful point over looking the river - this was to be the first time we stopped and chatted with the Waipukurau team (about a dozen) and we would see them many times during the day.
    Our next stop was at Cornish Point were the Kawarau and Clutha rivers met.
    The scenery was just spectacular - the river was so slow moving the reflections were like a mirror.
    The tracks we were on here, and for most of the trail, was wider than I had expected and made for comfortable riding.
    Our next main stop was for coffee and there was quite a crowd there when we arrived - ordered the long blacks and they were made in 2 minutes - great service - Mary bought some chocolate brownie - and we had a good break and some more chats.
    Immediately after the coffee boat the first serious climb was next - the Cairnmure Ladder - we were all prepared for the climb with e-bikes on a higher power level and away we went. It was not too tough on the e-bike, but some of the Rotarians had muscle bikes and it was a workout for them.
    In this part (Cairnmure) we were high up on a bluff and there were great views there too.
    We stopped for photos at the trig site - another stopping point for everyone.
    There was one more climb before we came back down to the lake edge were there was 1.5km of narrower track and a few dodgy spots - no looking down.
    The clip-ons were amazing and we had no problems with them, but the hard jutty rock wall I found was too close to me at times.
    Crossed the Hugo Bridge - the longest and Bob got some photos of us crossing it. There was a corner where Gran had a wee crash - a biker had stopped to take some photos and parked his bike on the inside of the track - she just ran into and fell in a heap - needing an arm up and disentangle the bikes - she has a sore elbow as a reminder.
    And eventually around a corner we could see the Clyde Dam and things were pretty straight forward from there into town.
    We had our photo taken and gave back our bikes and changed into some different clothes.
    We went into town and saw the Waipukurau crew in a garden bar so we joined them and had a beer with them,
    Then it was on the road and return home. We opted for wraps at home outside in the setting sun.
    A great day.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler

    Resting................

    March 11, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    It was a late start today and we all had a few after effects from yesterday - it was clear that the ride in the sun had taking a toll on our poor old bodies.
    But we mustered up enough strength to get in the car and drive to Arrowtown for brunch at Provisions. There was a good crowd at the café and we thoroughly enjoyed our brunch and coffee and bought some of the last four "sticky buns" to take home for afternoon tea. We wandered up and down the main street and sometime near the river - I took some photos too.
    We got home early afternoon and we all had a nap - and felt a lot better for that. Had our "sticky buns" and planned the evening meal.
    Bob and I went and picked up the Italian dishes we had ordered online and bought 1kg of Gelato - that was a spur of the moment thing.
    So you can see that it was a pretty easy day for us old people, but it wasn't finished yet. We sat outside in the lovely mild evening and drank a bottle of Coleraine to celebrate our achievements - then it was into the takeaways and Gelato.
    So it was good to stay that extra day so we can head back to Nan's tomorrow feeling rested and a little tanned too.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler

    Farewell rugged and beautiful south.....

    March 13, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Yesterday we packed our stuff and began the return drive to Ashburton. It wasn't too early up, but showers, breakfast and packing seemed to go pretty well and we were ready to leave before 10:00.
    We said our farewells and got into our separate cars and left.
    As Shotover Country is on the outskirts of Queenstown we were soon in the beautifully rugged countryside and on our way to Clyde - yes we had to make a short excursion to Clyde to pick up a bike helmet that someone left at Shebikeshebikes. Once we had retrieved our belongings we took the opportunity to have a coffee and date scone at Oliver's cafe outside in the morning sun.
    Then we headed back to Cromwell and took the road to Tarras and on passed Pukaki and Tekapo. As we drove passed Tekapo Aoraki was clear in all its splendor and of course the lake was its normal milky blue.
    We stopped in Tekapo for a late lunch, but before that we both took a RAT test - we didn't want to get passed Temuka before taking the test we said we would do before arriving at Nan's place. It was a bit tricky in the car with all the little packets and containers. Gran went first and then me - before we left the car to go for lunch we could see already that Gran was negative and later mine was the same. Mary and Bob have subsequently done the same with clear results.
    After lunch Gran took over the driving duties and drove the rest of the way home to Ashburton - getting home about 5.
    We will be here until Friday when we will travel as far as Kaikoura and sail next day (unless they change the sailings)
    And so we had a great time in the south - we had lots of fun times with Mary and Bob - they did such a good job making most of the arrangements - it is a part of New Zealand that we love - the scenery is outstanding (as you know).
    And so I will end this post to tell you that the photo attached is repeated because when I posted it on Instagram I got a message from the Central Otago Tourism asking permission to us it on their website and social media channels - and I have given them permission. I remember when we stopped beside the Clutha river near the start of the Clutha Gold trail the scene was magic.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynBiking and other stuffTraveler

    Heading north...

    March 18, 2022 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    Today we travelled north to Kaikoura as a stopover before make the strait crossing again.
    But before that we have spent 5 days with Nan. These have been fairly quiet days - Nan is not much up for going out these days and the weather was pretty ordinary - some showery days and cool too - 12/13 degrees.
    We went for a couple of bike rides - yesterday did about 20km around town.
    Our days were pretty much - breakfast, me drive down to the "Triangle Cafe" - bring home coffee - do Wordle - think of something to do for the rest of the day.
    Repeat coffee run again at 3.

    We had some gear to swop with Mary & Bob so arranged to meet for lunch at Woodbury (inland from Geraldine) - Nan was coming too, but she cancelled at the last minute - the cafe at Woodbury was pretty good and we spent a nice time there.
    When the rain was forecast I decided to do some photos in Nan's garden while there was some sunlight and I was happy with those.
    We packed last night and things went smoothly and on the road to have lunch with Lorraine - we got some Sourdough at Raewood. Lorraine made a great vegetarian soup - and we had some pudding with coffee to follow.
    We left Lorraine just after 3 - the drive to Kaikoura was great - light traffic and some sun for a change.
    Nicks bike rack has worked well - very easy to get bikes on and off and we got the system of off loading and re loading cases, bags and stuff, perfected.
    The sea in the strait tomorrow look ok, so we should get a good trip.
    Looking forward to catching up with some Wellingtonians over the weekend.
    Next week the house painting starts    Read more

    Trip end
    March 19, 2022
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