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Sunday, 12 June 2011 20:44 |
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 This was the wonderful experience of four days of easy riding or walking of 30-40 kilometres a day, between Clyde and Middlemarch surrounded by amazing scenery.With a friend I did an easy version of this in mid to late April of 2011 and thoroughly enjoyed the stunning autumn colours, the great accommodation and the friendly company of riders from all over the world. I could see that it was a fantastic experience for families, with even young children managing to enjoy the ride in safety.
Our "easy version" meant going from Ranfurly which is near the highest point and going downhill east. Having a couple of days off, and then going from Ranfurly again, downhill to the west. There are also many interesting loops to nearby gold digging sites and townships but of course these are on country roads.
Here we are at the highest point of the Rail Trail.
Planning the trip
It is not difficult to plan out your trip yourself although there is a free service to help you and make your bookings, and many tour companies have package tours, hire bikes etc. Many people drive to one end, catch a shuttle which will take bikes to the other end, and bike back. For $10 a bag, you can even get your luggage delivered to your accommodation.
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Sunday, 12 June 2011 20:40 |
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The Triple Two (Feb 22nd)
Six of us had just finished lunch when there was the now familiar rumble like a huge subway coming closer…but it got louder and a sudden jolt was followed by violent shaking. I opened a nearby door and most of us scrambled under the table and waited. When things calmed we all rushed for the door to get outside, where we stood marvelling at the loud rumble which echoed around the hills and faded in the direction of Lyttelton. That was no aftershock.That was what we all thought wouldn’t happen: another big earthquake. But the house stood intact and everyone was safe.
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Wednesday, 02 March 2011 17:52 |
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We have always produced lots of strawberries, broad beans etc. in our vege garden beside the lawn in front of the log house. Guests have enjoyed the organic produce.
With climate change getting more obvious, Max thought that producing your own food was becoming more and more important. Wanting to try a greater variety, especially potatoes, Max decided to start a garden of his own. And look at just a small part of the harvest! |
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