It would be a shame and a disservice to Jim to not complete the blog of the remaining portion of our trip. It was such a wonderful time and we were able to create so many good memories. It feels strange to be posting photos of Jim after all that happened, but I am convinced he would have it that way if he had a vote. Jim enjoyed lfe to the last second, I am sure. I am priveleged to be able to share some of that online.
While we were in Nelson, we happened to find out about an International Rugby game which had been moved at the last minute. The Canterbury Crusaders were playing the Waratahs for Australia. The seats were all sold out so we ahd to sit on the grass. Jim was able to score some GREAT corn dogs so we had good nutrition for the game. The beer booth was right behind us. That is a can of Tui beer on the wall, probably empty already. Gotta wash good chow down with good beer.
The Cantebury Crusaders (Christchurch) was the home team so they put on a show before the game.
In Nelson we got to stay in this lovely little English-style hotel with a nice little backyard and a little moat.
Wendy and I could not wait for the arrival of the Queen for tea so we went ahead without her. Oops, I guess that is not tea.
But ah, the Queen did finally arrive.
Next morning it was time to hit the highway. We rode along the north side of the island, going Westward towards Pohara. Wendy was very relaxed as she contemplated the ride ahead and got herself ready.
The road over the Takaka Hills lived up to her expectations. It really was WAY scarier that this photo would indicate.
We stopped along the way for breakfast at a little town on the way. Jim and I referred to each other as our Mud Buddy, because of the coating we got while riding the Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay a couple of years ago. This sign presented a photo op I could not pass up.
The Kiwis really know how to make a quality cup of coffee. Never got one on the trip that was not excellent.
We ended up in the little town of Pohara, along the North shore, and the cottage we rented was one of a little group right on the beach. Wendy could not even wait to get her gear off before looking for seashells. Remember, we left Alaska in the winter.
The cottages were cute. Here Jim and Lynndeen are coning out to join us for a walk down the beach for a mile or so to dinner. Enjoy every minute of your life if you can, because you never know when the last time you will have dinner together will be.
And it was a good one.
And I believe we celebrated with a little toast after dinner.
The next morning dawned clear and beautiful. We had to go over the Takaka Hills again, which was just torture, of course (har har). It is one of the most cool motorcycling roads I have been on. Jim left me behind, and we both left the girls way behind. Check back here because I am going to post a video of the ride that morning but I do not have access to it right now. We stopped in Mokueta for one of their legendary cups of coffee and then rode up the Mokueta River Valley. After that, we rode out heading for Westport, stopping for lunch in Murchison. We were having a good day, but of course it all ended very badly not far beyond Murchison. To Jim!!
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