Pearls On Wheels

This week we responded to the call of Haast on the west coast of the South Island and set off on a planned ride with John and Cath.   Dick's usual good planning brought us a wonderful ride in glorious weather. A wonderful ride with friends, Cath and john. Its the first time we have ridden with company for a long time. Am thinking of rides with Radioman and Ken and Shirley. While the rest of NZ seemed to be facing thunderstorms we enjoyed warm and dry conditions. The recent lack of rain in southern Westland meant that the breeding patterns of sandflies and mosquitos  had been interrupted.  We encountered none. Whitebait patties, salmon and venison for dinner at Haast.  Plenty of conversation. Photos of the Haast road builders at work helped us appreciate the road we had just ridden along.  Bridges built, rocky bluffs blasted, and lives lost. Next day we rode to Jackson Bay. Whitebait stands have been raised at season's end. Crayfish pots are stacke

It is late spring Saturday afternoon Blue skies, blue lakes and lush green landscapes beckon. Over the Crown Range, to Wanaka, Tarras, Cromwell and Bannockburn. Last weekend's snows have melted. Everything is pristine. So much promise. Spring New beginnings. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19  We love this view.  On the Crown Terraces  Even the tussocks in the Cardrona Valley are green  Willows and poplars on the banks of the Clutha River near Wanaka.  From Bannockburn... Heading home at 8.30pm in warm sunshine. A perfect day for a ride.

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 Dual single lane rai