It's getting closer and time seems to have sped up.
Big day yesterday. Jo had her last day at Kathmandu. Sad day for her and for her colleagues. Sounds like she had a nice morning tea with nice things said about her and she is very proud of her speech!
I had a tooth removed which is always fun, not. $170 for 22mins work. I am in the wrong job.
Busy day at work for me today and for Jo doing cleaning and errands! Jo even had some real excitement in her day when she saw and reported a scrub fire where she was walking the dogs.
Another late night tonight. We have just packed our clothes to see how much each other has. NOT much considering how long we are away.
Four more sleeps!!!!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
YEP FAILED ON THE POST EVERYDAY!
Hi, sorry didn't quite make it yesterday.
Another busy day. Jo managed to get the carpets cleaned!! I managed to get the bikes into expedition mode! Photo's to follow :-) We even managed to get out and ride the bikes, in the sunshine, yahoo.
We went out to ou
r friends Doris and Darryn's (kayaking on Okarito Lagoon in photo) for dinner. It was fantastic. We played the didgeridoo and sung to Darryn's lovely guitar playing. Very hippy like!
Tonight we have finally settled on a hotel for Rarotonga and booked a hotel in Calgary.
It is getting scarily close now. Jo finishes work tomorrow and I am getting a tooth taken out, oh joy!
Bye for now, S
Another busy day. Jo managed to get the carpets cleaned!! I managed to get the bikes into expedition mode! Photo's to follow :-) We even managed to get out and ride the bikes, in the sunshine, yahoo.
We went out to ou
r friends Doris and Darryn's (kayaking on Okarito Lagoon in photo) for dinner. It was fantastic. We played the didgeridoo and sung to Darryn's lovely guitar playing. Very hippy like!Tonight we have finally settled on a hotel for Rarotonga and booked a hotel in Calgary.
It is getting scarily close now. Jo finishes work tomorrow and I am getting a tooth taken out, oh joy!
Bye for now, S
Saturday, July 25, 2009
YUMMY DINNER WITH C4 CREW
Another late night post, story of our lives it seems at the moment.
Had a wonderful sunny day here today. It is so good to see the sun.
We did a hard Spin class at the gym this morning before Nicole (who is house-sitting for us) came around to check out her new place. Then it was a quick dash into town to spend more money. Home for late lunch, some work on bikes and a dog walk to the bike shop, more money spent.
Home to do more work on bikes then get ready to go out for dinner with C4 Crew. Had a great dinner at Indochine, quiet beer at the Dux and home.
Phew, doesn't actually sound that bad on here.
7 days, 17hours!!
Bye S and J
Had a wonderful sunny day here today. It is so good to see the sun.
We did a hard Spin class at the gym this morning before Nicole (who is house-sitting for us) came around to check out her new place. Then it was a quick dash into town to spend more money. Home for late lunch, some work on bikes and a dog walk to the bike shop, more money spent.
Home to do more work on bikes then get ready to go out for dinner with C4 Crew. Had a great dinner at Indochine, quiet beer at the Dux and home.
Phew, doesn't actually sound that bad on here.
7 days, 17hours!!
Bye S and J
Friday, July 24, 2009
ANOTHER DAY CLOSER
Just watched Slumdog Millionaire, great flick!
Well we have a very busy weekend of final preps. A few bits to purchase ans a couple of trial packing sessions.
Might even get out and ride our bikes, if we're lucky.
It is amazing how much "stuff" you need to do such a long trip. I thought we had everything, but I keep finding more that we "need"!! Ha, maybe that's actually why I like stuff like this, the gear? I think it is a boy thing.
Another late entry.
Till next time, S and J
Well we have a very busy weekend of final preps. A few bits to purchase ans a couple of trial packing sessions.
Might even get out and ride our bikes, if we're lucky.
It is amazing how much "stuff" you need to do such a long trip. I thought we had everything, but I keep finding more that we "need"!! Ha, maybe that's actually why I like stuff like this, the gear? I think it is a boy thing.
Another late entry.
Till next time, S and J
Thursday, July 23, 2009
10 DAYS
Well another day closer. Had a busy day at work which got in the way of my trip organisation and earned me two parking tickets!!! Jo spent the morning giving out magnets apparently.
Have been out working tonight too, busy busy busy.
So all in all not much to say today. Starting to get excited.
See ya, S and J
Have been out working tonight too, busy busy busy.
So all in all not much to say today. Starting to get excited.
See ya, S and J
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
11 DAYS TO GO!!!!
Hi, well with 11 days to go we have finally finished our blogs of our Molesworth/Rainbow trip which we did in March! We promise we will be better on the trip proper :-)
Well we are pretty much all organised. There are still e few wee things to sort but it is pretty much all sorted. A big push this weekend will see us READY!
Maybe we will try and do a daily post from now till we leave? Lets see how we go, no promises.
The most exciting thing that has happened today is that we received our Fridge Magnets! Yep you read that correctly, we have had fridge magnets made with our Blog address so you all remember to check it out every time you open your fridge!!!!
Ciao for now J and S
Well we are pretty much all organised. There are still e few wee things to sort but it is pretty much all sorted. A big push this weekend will see us READY!
Maybe we will try and do a daily post from now till we leave? Lets see how we go, no promises.
The most exciting thing that has happened today is that we received our Fridge Magnets! Yep you read that correctly, we have had fridge magnets made with our Blog address so you all remember to check it out every time you open your fridge!!!!
Ciao for now J and S
HOMEWARD BOUND
Sunday 8th March 2009
Day 8 - Lake Tennyson - Hanmer Springs
Our final breakfast of porridge was consumed early & we hit the road for a quick 40km ride heading towards Hanmer wanting to arrive at lunchtime so we had time for a soak in the hot pools.
The road was much rougher than we had anticipated as this road is obviously used a lot by cars. We still managed to make excellent time knocking the distance out in about 2 hours. The descent down the Hanmer side of Jacks Pass blew both of us away - it is a long way, no wonder we struggled up it a week earlier!
We headed straight to the Campground to find our van safe and sound.
From there we went for another pie and a custard and chocolate scroll, YUMMY. We then soaked away our aches and pains for a while before hitting the road again.
It was nice to arrive home, but we were both sad to be finished our first cycle tour together.
Technical ride details are lost, presumed dead!
Day 8 - Lake Tennyson - Hanmer Springs
Our final breakfast of porridge was consumed early & we hit the road for a quick 40km ride heading towards Hanmer wanting to arrive at lunchtime so we had time for a soak in the hot pools.
The road was much rougher than we had anticipated as this road is obviously used a lot by cars. We still managed to make excellent time knocking the distance out in about 2 hours. The descent down the Hanmer side of Jacks Pass blew both of us away - it is a long way, no wonder we struggled up it a week earlier!
We headed straight to the Campground to find our van safe and sound.
From there we went for another pie and a custard and chocolate scroll, YUMMY. We then soaked away our aches and pains for a while before hitting the road again.
It was nice to arrive home, but we were both sad to be finished our first cycle tour together.
Technical ride details are lost, presumed dead!
CHASING THE END OF THE RAINBOW
Saturday 7th March
Day 7 - St Arnuard to Lake Tennyson
After a hearty breakfast & fond farewells to our wonderful hosts we headed down the Rainbow towards Hanmer & Lake Tennyson.
The 1st hour flew by in a blur of gravity assisted asphalt & beech forest.
Both us enjoyed having someone else to talk to to pass the time, we continued to make good time & the scenery the entire way was beautiful - such a contrast to the Molesworth.
With about 30km to go to Lake Tennyson & Island Saddle to conquer Andy decide to leave the 3 of us to bike ahead & pick up the car which was at the top of Jacks pass - drive back & pick up Andrea at Lake Tennyson.
We arrived at Lake Tennyson & set up camp - had cup of soups & waited for Andrea's ride to come along.
After waving goodbye to our day companions we cooked dinner & settled in for the night .
Technical Riding details missing as brains are still a little fuzzy from night before...
Day 7 - St Arnuard to Lake Tennyson
After a hearty breakfast & fond farewells to our wonderful hosts we headed down the Rainbow towards Hanmer & Lake Tennyson.
The 1st hour flew by in a blur of gravity assisted asphalt & beech forest.
Both us enjoyed having someone else to talk to to pass the time, we continued to make good time & the scenery the entire way was beautiful - such a contrast to the Molesworth.
With about 30km to go to Lake Tennyson & Island Saddle to conquer Andy decide to leave the 3 of us to bike ahead & pick up the car which was at the top of Jacks pass - drive back & pick up Andrea at Lake Tennyson.
We arrived at Lake Tennyson & set up camp - had cup of soups & waited for Andrea's ride to come along.
After waving goodbye to our day companions we cooked dinner & settled in for the night .
Technical Riding details missing as brains are still a little fuzzy from night before...
GOOD FOOD & WINE
Friday 6th March 2009
Day 6 - Kowahi Point to St Arnuard
Woke to drizzle today, packed up & had breakfast whilst dodging rain showers (& sandflies)
Easy 27km ride to St Arnuard this morning - found Andy's parents bach - No
one home yet... so headed into St Arnuard village to tidy up before hopefully meeting Andy's parents later in the day, thanks to the Doc campground that has pay as you go showers.
Heard from A & A they were in Hanmer unsure at this point if the were going to make the trip as the weather at their end was looking very dodgy! So we just had to wait & pray they made it.
After lovely hot showers we went & found a cafe & had yummy pies for lunch..
Scott wanted to teach them how to make coffee as their coffee making skills were lacking - but he manged to restrain himself!
After lunch the sun came out & we managed to take over a campsite (illegally) to get the tent dry , then put all our
belonging in the hand of a stranger while we went for a walk down the lake ( well she was not really a stranger as we meet her 2 hours earlier @ the showers - practically family now!)
About 4ish we decided to bike back to Andy parents bach to see if anyone had arrived yet & arrived to the smell of freshly baked Bran Muffins - thanks to Viv (Andy's mum).
Nobody knew for sure if A & A had made it through the rainbow until we made contact with Andy calling asking for a pick up? They had had a headwind the entire day & were over it! But what champions for riding so far just to spend a night with us & his parents only to ride back the next day!
The rest of the night consisted of great food & lots of wine ....
Thanks to Andy's parents for they amazing hospitality & comfortable bed.
Technical riding details lost due to copious amounts of good food & wine.
Day 6 - Kowahi Point to St Arnuard
Woke to drizzle today, packed up & had breakfast whilst dodging rain showers (& sandflies)
Easy 27km ride to St Arnuard this morning - found Andy's parents bach - No
one home yet... so headed into St Arnuard village to tidy up before hopefully meeting Andy's parents later in the day, thanks to the Doc campground that has pay as you go showers.Heard from A & A they were in Hanmer unsure at this point if the were going to make the trip as the weather at their end was looking very dodgy! So we just had to wait & pray they made it.
After lovely hot showers we went & found a cafe & had yummy pies for lunch..
Scott wanted to teach them how to make coffee as their coffee making skills were lacking - but he manged to restrain himself!
After lunch the sun came out & we managed to take over a campsite (illegally) to get the tent dry , then put all our
belonging in the hand of a stranger while we went for a walk down the lake ( well she was not really a stranger as we meet her 2 hours earlier @ the showers - practically family now!)About 4ish we decided to bike back to Andy parents bach to see if anyone had arrived yet & arrived to the smell of freshly baked Bran Muffins - thanks to Viv (Andy's mum).
Nobody knew for sure if A & A had made it through the rainbow until we made contact with Andy calling asking for a pick up? They had had a headwind the entire day & were over it! But what champions for riding so far just to spend a night with us & his parents only to ride back the next day!
The rest of the night consisted of great food & lots of wine ....
Thanks to Andy's parents for they amazing hospitality & comfortable bed.
Technical riding details lost due to copious amounts of good food & wine.
UP HILL ALL THE WAY
Thursday 5th March 2009
Day 5: Blenheim to Kowhai Point
After a very well deserved sleep in this morning (8am) we woke - jumped on our bikes & headed into Blenheim for breakfast (Mc Donald's) & to restock the food supplies.
Arrived back a camp & spent 1 1/2 hours sorting & repacking the panniers.
Thanks to Chile (the hostest with the mostest) for giving us a late check out we did not feel like we had to rush
to much..
Once on the road we headed out of Blenheim toward St Arnard.
The road was sealed the majority of the way with vineyards as far as the eye could see.
The entire ride today was a gradual climb making us just have to put in that extra effort the entire way.
Both of our behinds were aching today - even 2 pairs of bike short gave no relief to the situation.
We arrived at Kowhai Point to rain, found the doc camp & set up camp for the night.
Dinner tonight consisted of filled pasta & sauce, once we had eaten & cleaned up we settled into the tent & listened to the rain.
Tomorrow we have a 27km ride to St Arnard where we are hoping to meet our good friends Andy & Andrea who (weather permitting) will be riding up the Rainbow to meet us...
If Andy & Andrea make the trip we will be staying in style tomorrow night @ Andy parents Bach (& hopefully a home cooked meal?)
RIDE TIME: 4:21.09
DISTANCE: 80.3km
AVERAGE SPEED: 18.4km
TOTAL TIME FROM A TO B: 5 hours
Day 5: Blenheim to Kowhai Point
After a very well deserved sleep in this morning (8am) we woke - jumped on our bikes & headed into Blenheim for breakfast (Mc Donald's) & to restock the food supplies.
Arrived back a camp & spent 1 1/2 hours sorting & repacking the panniers.
Thanks to Chile (the hostest with the mostest) for giving us a late check out we did not feel like we had to rush
to much..Once on the road we headed out of Blenheim toward St Arnard.
The road was sealed the majority of the way with vineyards as far as the eye could see.
The entire ride today was a gradual climb making us just have to put in that extra effort the entire way.
Both of our behinds were aching today - even 2 pairs of bike short gave no relief to the situation.
We arrived at Kowhai Point to rain, found the doc camp & set up camp for the night.
Dinner tonight consisted of filled pasta & sauce, once we had eaten & cleaned up we settled into the tent & listened to the rain.
Tomorrow we have a 27km ride to St Arnard where we are hoping to meet our good friends Andy & Andrea who (weather permitting) will be riding up the Rainbow to meet us...
If Andy & Andrea make the trip we will be staying in style tomorrow night @ Andy parents Bach (& hopefully a home cooked meal?)
RIDE TIME: 4:21.09
DISTANCE: 80.3km
AVERAGE SPEED: 18.4km
TOTAL TIME FROM A TO B: 5 hours
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