Date: 21 Nov
Start: Methven
Finish: Murchison
Accommodation: Mataki Motels
Km's travelled today: 369
Total Km's travelled: 2,296
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We all had a good nights sleep in Methven after our long day. Gloria our weather girl doesn't think much of the weather this morning, but she thinks it will clear up soon. Unfortunately she will still need to travel in the van as she tends to retain water in the rain.
First stop for the day was Springfield to fill up, and an early morning sausage roll for some. Terama took a moment to do some quick cleaning. It's a bike Terama, not a car, lol.
Then it is off to Arthurs Pass. It doesn't matter how many times you see scenery like this, it always takes your breath away, and for me I am seeing it for the first time.
Gloria was having a great time talking to Kea's and sitting on stranger's motorcycles. She thinks she is becoming a bit of a celebrity. The Kea's were eyeing up the motorcycles, to see what they could pinch. A bird with a bit too much courage I think!
The roads through Arthurs Pass have something new around every corner. One of the more interesting parts was Death's Corner.
On Facebook we have seen snippets of the videos that Mike and Mason are taking. They will have hours upon hours of footage to go through after this, but it is going to look incredible.
The weather was on our side all the way through Arthur's Pass, making the day thoroughly enjoyable. Then we had another scenery treat, stopping in Moana for lunch. We sat there for a while taking in the views with chai latte in hand.
Once again, Gloria was out and about. She is becoming a bit of a media tart, even having her photo taken with a Koala called Kuparr, who has travelled far and wide. Steve and I had a lovely chat with a couple from another motorcycle club and they were very keen on Steve's Tshirt. A Kiwi Roadrunner (Weka) came for a quick visit, but I am yet to see a photo from that one.
We have managed to speak with so many people already on this trip and, sadly, everyone seems to have a cancer journey. Getting out there and talking with people is a part of what we do as R.A.C, but it really highlights the 1 in 3 statistic.
On the road again and next stop is Reefton. As Ross said, it almost seems to be a P(ee) 2 P(ee) journey, lol (One Job Danny... lock the door!). The stop proved to be quite educational though with some lovely historical photos. Although Sandy nearly got left behind..
Our luck ran out with the rain, and we had a wet ride/drive from here through to Murchison. That didn't dampen anyone's spirits though and we arrived in good time.
And just like magic, the sun came out to play. Time to try out the BBQ that was kindly donated by Stihl, Palmerston North, with home made burgers. We had certainly worked up an appetite.
Sitting around chatting and laughing about the highlights of this trip so far and we realised this is our last night in the South Island. The further West we go, the stranger the place names become: Inchbonnie, Wind Whistle, Dead Dog Culvert, Dead Man's Creek.... Tomorrow we will be half way through the road trip and back on the ferry to the North Island. Our baking supply is running low, so we 'phoned a friend' and worked out a delivery (thanks Jill). It only feels like yesterday that we were starting this trip. Time flies when you are a part of good company.
Time for bed. Where's Gloria tonight?
Joy Smith
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