Saturday 12 March First day of Pedaltours bike ride Southern Scenic Route

Kia Ora,

First day on bikes!  Mimi and I were very pleased, working hard on the 85 km(52.8 mile) leg we chose (sort of!), replete with three challenging (lovely, as Em, our tour guide put it!) climbs as we headed back to Te Aneu.  Cool morning start but sunshine, a solid food stop and continual vigilance to scant shoulders, and buses and trucks.  This route was on one of the two major state roads of the south island, not our first choice but it sped us south and it was truly beautiful.  Our little bike group of six plus our tour leader Em is coming together, and it is fun to look ahead to upcoming conversations and shared experiences.

Tomorrow, we recover, with a hike, a picnic and a two hour boat trip up Milford Sound.  It will take all day and the weather is promising.  

Learned about the the two finger salute today. Think of the Peace sign. Turn it around. And voila, the two finger salut! 

(middle finger in US).

Also learned relief teach (subbing); a chilly bin (cooler); make a mickney out of somebody (tease them).

On a much more serious note, this morning at breakfast in Queenstown, you could see the angst among the many Japanese quests at the hotel.  They were just becoming aware of and seeing for the first time the television coverage of what was happening to their homeland.  Obviously, they could not immediately reach friends and family...and may have lost homes and businesses. It was heartbreaking to watch.

We are inland and we are very aware of all that is going on in Japan and that some aftermaths could possibly reach New Zealand. We are fine, and will be careful in this tumultuous part of our globe. 

Off to much anticipated sweet sleep after a wonderful first day with Pedaltours.

And btw, you will see no photos of our tour guide as she asked to not be used on blog. She got burned once and that's it for her. Understandable for sure. 

denny and mimi

7:30 this morning, getting ready to head out 10Km out of Queenstown to starting point

Morning view from our hotel in Queenstown

Pulled over, unloading bikes and getting ready to start ride.

Much needed lunch break after 40 mile ride

Lovely,no?

Love taking photos as I ride....

We did it! Feeling good after 52.8 mile ride. Thank goodness tomorrow is but a three hour hike!

Loving the vistas, as always

The three 100 km (62 miles) riders pulling in.

More vistas

Greg feeling good after his 100K.

Unloading at hotel after a wonderfully full day of cycling

After dinner walk in Te Anau (thanks for photo. Peggy)

Our route today. The hills at the beginning were an incredible challenge for us, as was The Jollies hill. But we made it up all on bikes.

Local history

Lake Te Anau, early evening. So peaceful.