This country is freaking amazing. Just when we think our holiday is winding down Aretoa throws up a few new amazing surprises for us.
It rained all night and was a sunny but chully 2 degrees when we woke this morning. Had breakfast and decided that this was perfect weather for quad bike riding.
Got an exclusive booking with backtrax (as noone else was stupid enough to do it) for their 2 hour tour....... a 2 hour tour.The van was riding pretty rough the tiny bus was tossed, but soon we arrived at their top secret staging area where soon we would be lost. They fitted us out with Wellies and raincoats, which made me a bit nervous...No velcro gloves but
Sam scored a Polaris 300, while I went the Suzuki 400, renowned for its torque apparently.
We had a great time ....heaps of crossing of the Hanmer river and through the swamps. Our guide Arnie from Holland was brilliant. Vids will be posted when we get home.
Sam did surprisingly well and has finally learnt to gas it when it doubt, but has maintained her 100% record of breaking a quad everytime she rides one.
Then it was back into Nana's car for the high speed run up Jacks pass rally circuit.
Oh what an underwhelming feeling, but I have learnt that if you sit the tacho needle on 8 grand and just race change it goes reasonable well.
We then headed for the very scenic Lewis pass. The drive through the pine forests in the rain and fog was surreal. (Damn I hate that word, but I couldnt think of anything else.)
This is where yesterdays seals ended up.
Saw heaps of carnage on the road, including a car crash and also another car that hit a train at a crossing. Didnt stop for pics as we thought that would be a bit crass. (And I didnt want to drop the revs in nanas car)
The weather was looking very ominous as we headed for Authurs Pass. The temps dropped dramatically and the rain became heavier.
Was sorta glad not to be on the bike, but these guys were having fun.
Had a cookie for lunch that would feed an Etheopin family for a year
Came across this huge sluppery dup. The landing looked a bit rough though.
This massive viaduct (fancy NZ word for bridge) was very impressive and while stopped at the lookout, the famous gay boyband the ladyboys pulled in next to us for a piccie. Remember it was about 2 degrees at this stage....wankers.
We stopped at Aurthurs pass to grab a coffee and unbelievably it started to snow lightly. The higher peaks got quite good falls though. The first snow of the season and we get to see it. How lucky are we?
The road looked amazing and would have been great on the bike but I must admit I was quite enjoying the heater in nanas car.
Especillay as you can see I was dressed for the conditions. (only had shorts due to being a dickhead on the quads this morning and getting my jeans wet)
Sam reckoned I should audition for a spot with the ladyboys.
The scenery though was absolutly amazing. Cant believe we have been so lucky with the weather. Dropped bike off yesterday....snows today...incredable.
It rained heavily all the way into Christchurch where we have booked into a very funky hotel. Its all very Shagadellic baby. The room features different coloured moood lighting and a fully automated entertainment system. The wake up alarm is the lights softly glow different colours and the sound of oceanwaves comes gently through the speakers. I will probably smash it to smithereens in the morning.
It even comes with its own boogie board
The bathroom is also pretty funky. ou can change the colour of the lighting to suit your moooooood
We have received several emails enquiring as to why Sammy is always nuddy, but not me, (massive shrinkage is usually the problem) but to please those that are so interested, heres a couple for you. Wierdo's
Was ging to to take the hotels courtesy cay but instead Went for a walk around town mixing with the locals and had dinner at a brilliant Mexican resurant, before staggering back to the room for desert in bed.
Last day tomorrow, but we intend to make the most of it.
photo shop is dealing with bathroom condensation.
Early results indicate some waxing is required before sending application to join the band
Posted by: danandrox | March 13, 2010 at 07:44 AM