Serendipity
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Seven Mile Beach to Adventure Bay
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Seven Mile Beach 15th March 2013
Pat has been great company, sorry to say cheerio. Perhaps another time buddy?
I roll out in trepidation from Seven Mile Beach campsite with new rubber beneath my wheels and an air of something on the horizon. Another journey begins.
I’ve a 25km cycle to Hobart city centre. My only obstacle is the Hobart bridge. There is a form of cycle lane but not very wide. I start cycling, but not for long as the side rail on my right hand side is not high enough, along with the wind it feels one could spill onto the freeway below. So walk it is then.
I’ve been to Hobart back in 2001/02 when I was backpacking and then I liked Tasmania. Never thought I’d be back on a bicycle one day! Continue reading
Tassie
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Finding time to sit down and write a full blog on each leg of my journeys is very time-consuming. Saying that, it’s not necessarily the time, it’s more the case of having to pay for a campsite or backpackers accommodation! So for the time been it’s going to be links to my Flickr account photos. More to follow after these two below.
I’ll play catch up and add dialogue when I’m off the road for an extended time.
The one thing I’ll add though is my main heading from what I’ve learnt about cycle touring with electronic gear is; Continue reading
The Feds
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Hobart Airport to Seven Mile Beach
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Hobart 8th March 2013
The flight was uneventful. As we like it!
Jetstar was good to fly with, considering all the horror stories one here’s about no-frills airlines. So no complaints from me.
I had seven hours to kill at Melbourne Tullamarine airport during the night. Cash acquired from an ATM and found a quiet corner in a closed Nando’s (Mexican restaurant) to rest my head on a padded bench.
Flight landed in Hobart at 0710hrs on an overcast Friday morning. Bike box collected. No outside damage to box, a good sign.
Next, sort out where I was going to stay. Got chatting to a Canadian/Englishman named Pat. We decided we would head to a campground near the airport (Seven Mile Beach) as we could share a plot with both tents, so halving the cost down to AUS$12.5 each.
While asking cabs for a fair price, and bartering, Continue reading
Start/Finish
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Hanmer to Christchurch
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Hanmer 2nd March 2013
So onto the main highway back to Christchurch. Cannot believe I’m about to complete my first large bicycle tour.
It’s all pretty un-eventful as I head southwards.
My next camp spot is the large domain ground of Culverden. Tucked up in the far corner under the shadow of the setting sun.
The ground is flat; short mowed grass, no sandflies, no mosquitos, temperature pleasant. Happy days. Continue reading
Hard Going
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Blenheim to Hanmer
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Blenheim 27th February 2013
The road out of Blenheim this fine sunny day was pleasingly flat, such a novelty!
My direction is the Taylor Pass and the back roads to the famous Molesworth Station. This been the largest station (farm) in New Zealand.
I pop into The Honey shop. More out of interest to see an actual hive section at work. Continue reading
Queen Charlotte Drive
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Nelson to Blenheim
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Nelson 24th February 2013
Leaving my camp spot was a bit of a mission as I’ve to cross a pipeline bridge. So one thing at a time.
The plan from here was to cycle up the Mai Tai valley, but due to works taking place on the road it was closed. And closed properly it was with a big bugger off gate! Back I turn up the valley to Nelson. Only five or so km’s, so no worries.
Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time was lose my big pocketed cotton cargo pants. Not only are they heavy, but also take up a lot of room. After purchasing some Columbia lightweight pants from Mountain Designs, a visit to the local Salvation Army’s deposit bank was then the last order of service in Nelson.
Continue reading
On The Road Update
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I’m rather limited on time at the moment as I’d like to reach Christchurch on the 4th March so as to give myself a few days to prepare the bike for the flight to Hobart, Tasmania.
So I can only offer photos at this time on Flickr.
I’ve now completed the west coast, upto Nelson/Picton and now in Blenheim for internet at the library. Along with stocking up on supplies for the gravel back roads from Seddon to Hanmer Springs. Hoping to arrive back in Christchurch for the 4th March.
That’s it in a nutshell for now.
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Worn Drivetrain
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Greymouth to Nelson
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Greymouth 16th February 2013
I pass through Greymouth as it’s a tad nondescript. A mining town on the recline, but with great history to the settlers from the past.
I was keen to move off the scenic highway and meander inland. Why you may ask…well, I’ve seen enough coast!
I set camp not far out of Greymouth, behind what sounds like the local gun club. No snap or crack over my head. So their certainly shooting in the opposite direction!
Something one doesn’t see everyday are bras hanging from a fence. This is noticed as ‘Mammary Land’! Continue reading
What Rain!
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Haast to Greymouth
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Haast 8th February 2013
