Day 2: St Arnaud to Picton on SH63then to Wellington by ferry 230km

-
It is so good to be on the road again. 

Apart from the minor issues with the panniers yesterday our gear 'works. 
If' you are wondering about how we managed our panniers yesterday. Let me tell you zip ties have magical powers. More magical powers than CRC or Duct tape when it comes to holding our panniers onto the bike.

After all the work I have done in limbering up to be sure I can get on - and off - the bike with ease I have discovered a minor issue.  Unlike me...  my motorbike pants have minimal flex because of the kevlar armour protecting knees and hips. I'll be looking for a fix for this. 


Marlborough clouds presage...
...Marlborough vineyards that stretch from one side of the Wairau valley across to the Wairau river
Our first stop is at VB Cafe in Blenheim for breakfast with Pat and Mike
Across the Wairau River to Picton.
Photo: Ken Rigby

...where we  have a leisurely lunch with my sister Yvonne and Ken in Picton.

..before we board the Ferry to Wellington. 30 other motorcyclists come on board. Mostly Ulysses club members.
The ferry trip is a stunner. Picturesque Picton
Sheep on this truck are missing out on the views of Queens Charlotte Sound.
Through the Tory Channel to Cook Strait. Look now calm it is.  I am a very happy sailor today.

We disembark and head off up the hill to a warm welcome from Ken and Shirley. A Team Kiwi reunion and some reminiscing about our from Alaska to Patagonia ensued. Ken has been in hospital so it was good to catch up. Ebony was in the garage to welcome Orlanda.


We headed down the road to the Museum Hotel where Orlanda had a grand chandeliered shed for the night. 
She didn't mind for a moment sharing this splendid smokers' space



Location: Wellington, New Zealand

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Homeward bound: Picton to Queenstown, New Zealand. 875km, 11.5°C-22°C

-
Image
We saved the best for last. The longest distance we have ever ridden two up in one day. From Marlborough's Wairau Valley vineyards... To lake Rotoiti And the forest-clad hills  That accompany us south and to the west coast. Coffee stop at the Beeches in Murchison Awesome pies for lunch in Hokitika Whitebait fritters at the Paringa Salmon Farm. So good to be on familiar roads, So close to home We decide to make a run for Queenstown while the sun is still shining. Through the Gates of Haast Over the Haast Pass To the warmth of Central Otago at Makarora Along the shorelines of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea Through the early evening golden light  Etching patterns on slopes of the Crown Range. Home to Te Komata  Our house on the hill Which welcomes us with open arms. We are truly blessed to live in this part  of the world. Vineyards spread across the Wairau Valley. Home of Marlborough wines.   Lake Rotoiti - high water this summer. Beyond lake Rotoiti ...
Read more

Ngorogoro Crater

-
Image
Ngorogoro Crater formed 2.5million years ago after a volcanic eruption. The crater is about 19km in diameter and has steep sides. The road descending into the crater is definitely a 4WD road. Steep and rugged. The floor of the crater has lakes which provide water for animals year round. There is a resident population of wildebeest and zebra, buffalo, zebra, many hyena, lions and birds. While we were visiting the area the skies were magnificently moody. The crater is around 2300m altitude so it was pleasantly cool. Short grass necessitates knee bending for the warthog whilst feeding. One of the many hyena cooling off. A weaver bird.  There were lots of weaver bird nests in the trees. Some birds were on the winge carrying straw to their nests. The superb starling. A contented wildebeest Plenty of lions on the prowl. Weaver bird nests Zebra galore  Lions having breakfast on a freshly killed buffalo. Getting around by Caravan 
Read more