Pearls On Wheels

We set off late afternoon from Auckland and we do a double take just before the Thames turnoff. The scene reminds us of state border crossings in Mexico 2012. The police call us over. What's up? Bailiffs? "Please may I see your drivers' licence?" My driver hands his over. I ask "Why are the police here, today?" Seven motorcyclists have died on these road in the last two weeks. Several did not have motorcycle drivers licences. Hence this check. The other reason is for Bailiffs to check for outstanding fines. My guess is that if you can't pay up you get to forfeit your vehicle.  Late afternoon sky over Long Bay, Coromandel .  We stay at the Mountain View B&B with Ursula and dine at Peppertree. A reminder of our ride in the USAwhere meals of ribs and baked potatoes were generous.  We head north to Colville for breakfast. Fibrolite holiday homes face the sea.  Tree ferns, woolsheds, lush green paddocks and then.

One month ago we were cruising into Milford sound on Celebrity Solstice. It was a day just like this… Today we arrived by motorcycle from Queenstown. This ride is one of the best in the world. In encompasses components of the highlights of all our rides. I am using my iPhone as a camera today. Mitre Peak  at the head of Milford Sound. Flight check before departure at 8.00am...  The sun came out as we rode up the Eglington Valley.  The Homer tunnel entrance in the rocky Darran mountain range. We wait for the lights to change to green and ride down the steep grade. The last time we rode through here was only my fifth day riding pillion. Thank goodness someone has swept the loose gravel off the tunnel road surface since the last time we were here.  An avalanche shelter protects the portal on the west end of the Homer tunnel.  The spectacular Cleddau Valey welcomes us.   The Hollyford river in the foreground. The  Routeburn track  traverse