I had a lazy start, sleep in, as had booked a Weta Workshop/Studio tour for 11:00. I went via Mt Victoria, another first for me I think (although maybe went up there as a kid). The weather was still mixed, but the clouds and glimmer of sun made
I had intended to cycle today, either the coast to Pencarrow or Hutt River/Rimutaka trails, but awoke to dismal weather. It was quite cold, 10-14c, drizzle to driving rain and ‘robust wind’ which locals probably considered a light breeze. With a week of biking coming up, a slightly sore
Travel
Awoke to a stunning day, clear blue skies and no wind. Like yesterday it was a leisurely start, self catered breakfast and an unscheduled car wash before getting on the road. I had parked under a tree, which was fine, but the overnight resident birds had left a calling card
The plan was simple, chuck a bike in the back of AHBART and drive to Christchurch to join a cycle tour on the Alps To Ocean trail (Tekapo to Oamaru). It would have been faster to fly but some ‘to do list’ items along the way and a new(er)
Cycling
The only cycling activity today was fitting my bike back into AHBART for the trip home. ‘Bart’ had been safely stored across the road from Left Bank in their secure parking area. It was that which made the trip viable, five days parking for a very modest cost which could
Another fine day, so much for the tropical cyclone forecast! Had breakfast in the motel (self catered) and set off for Paihia on the ferry from Russell. I was the only one on the little ‘Waimarie’ ferry, not Fullers. The skipper, solo crew, was busy doing chores most of the
I was glad to see the sun shining when I woke up on Sunday morning. The plan was a relatively short 45km trail ride to Opua with a ferry ride and short road section to my overnight accommodation in Russell. That gave time for a leisurely start with breakfast in
Travel
Awoke to better weather, still overcast but warm, no rain and still no wind from the threatened tropical storm. Opononi Lighthouse Motel was great, quiet, clean and right on that beautiful harbour front. It was straight back on the bike, I skipped breakfast in Opononi as had another destination in
Travel
Day one of my ride was a mix of cycle trail, Pou Herenga Tai - Twin Coast Trail Kaikohe to Horeke, and road riding to Opononi for the night. After a good, big for me, breakfast (pancakes with fruit, honey & two coffees) at Mint Restaurant I assembled my bike.
I’ve wanted to ride Pou Herenga Tai - Twin Coast Trail (Opua to Horeke, Hokianga) since learning about it a couple of years ago. I have ridden in the area a couple of times but that was all road touring. The trail (No. 1 & 3 green sections on
My unconventional travel planning method...
I was watching a documentary on architecture, Supersize Structures, and in one part (about the density of cities) they showed a picture of Hanoi. It was a passing shot but looked familiar, very familiar. In 2008 I had taken the same shot, of a balloon seller in the traffic, from