Well! a proper weekend away to tell you about! been far too long (like 2 weeks or something ;)
firstly though – on Wednesday headed out for pints with friends – celebrating a year in ChCh.. incredible really to think that a year’s gone by.. hmmm, am tempted to get all philosophical, but I’ll refrain!
So – onto the Queen Charlotte Track and quite a lot of fun it was too.
There’s a map here
The ‘Xs’ are places we stayed the night.
Left on Thursday night we (Neil, Paul, Jenny, Anthony and I) – and stayed up close to Picton (where we got the boat out the next morning)
Bikes looking quite clean at this stage really. Nice 40 min spin out into the bay. Started at Ship Cove, which is where Cook hung out when he was on the S.Island. You can see why, it’s a good place. Good choice that man :)
The first day (each day was a leisurely 22->25km on the bike) was by far the most technical (well it was my first time). Was able to cycle most of it, some of the hills were too steep to cycle up – but most were ok. Mhairi had very very kindly lent me her bike while she was off doing another excellent mountaineering trip (though not quite my cuppa.. maybe when the serious snow is off it…) I didn’t trash it too much. I think ;)
AAAnyway – so yes, steep slopes, beautiful views
Though that pic had 3 power lines running through the view (hail to photoshop).. we were pretty lucky with the weather.. it was a lovely way to do the track I reckon – I mean some ppl do it in 1 or 2 days.. but for me – heading off at 11am, being cruisey about it all and just enjoying it was quite nice really. Sometimes it’s good to chill methinks.
So yes, stayed Friday night (bank holiday) at Camp Bay, had a swim, had a few beers.. all good. Totally enjoyed the walk home (all 7 mins of it) back in the dark.. if you’re ever there – there are glowworms on the embankment (lots of them) on the left handside as you walk from the pub to the campsite.. just so as you know.
Next day looked like it was going to be hell on toast from the cross section, but it was actually far easier than Friday.
There were a lot more hills (it was all up – or down – zero flat!) but the surface was easier so you could let go – well that and a bit more confidence I guess.
Paul and Neil were the experienced bikers in the group… and quite a lot faster they were too..
(Neil in front – Paul the smiling blur)
Though I guess that comes with practice. I must admit.. I’m kinda tempted to get into it.. but then it’s another $2000 to get a decent bike.. hmmmmm.. we’ll have to see… can’t do everything?! perhaps.
(Anthony in front – Jenny behind)
Anthony, Jenny and I were not quite so fast.. but sure twas all fun. Mind you.. it’s kinda hella impressive that Anthony is off doing a 60km mountain bike ride 3 weeks after falling down a mountain.
That evening stayed at Portage… and had a nice drink down by the lake (I went to order a handle (pint) but they only had jugs/glasses…. just my luck ;)
Then Sunday morning off to Anakiwa – again, a pretty cruisey ride out – and just as we got to the end, it started to rain – we were so lucky with the weather, it was supposed to be miserable all weekend! but nope :)
So – thanks to Neil for organising it all (shame he leaves NZ in 2 weeks..) – Paul (for speeding off at 10am on Sunday and getting the cars – one fit guy that one), Anthony for giving me faith in miracles! and Jenny – for giving us time to enjoy the views ;)
Where to next?
Leave a Reply