Day 17 Nelson to Charleston

On advice from Alan about weather fronts - all completely over my head - he advised us to take the bus from Nelson to Buller Gorge because the weather would be closing-in by Wednesday along the West Coast and apparently you need dry conditions or the route can be evil. Picked the bus up at 7-15 a.m and by 7.20 a.m the driver, Brian was saying "nobody told me about bikes" - whoops . . . managed to get them in the with the backpacks and luggage but the "old-boy" (probably a couple of months older than yours truly) started to fluff about and panic, not a good sign especially with 130k to go. Only seats left directly behind him, most disconcerting!!!!

You begin to recognize all the signs of old age when switches are constantly checked, seat readjusted time and time again and lost count of how many times the air conditioning button was directed and with every reposition and double checking his eyes where always somewhere else but never on the road. Being the patient sole I am and my sense of alignment to all OAP's inlcuding myself, I wanted to shout "JUST STOP -------about and D R I V E !!! With heart-in-mouth on the mountain passes we arrived at Lower Buller Gorge to the one and only restaurant playing country and western music to about 300 stetson-wearing guests.

Tom, the turn for the afternoon had been flown in from Huddersfield with his company of line dancers (only kidding). We speed-off around the Gorge only too pleased to escape Brian the Bus Driver. Great riding through the Gorge just rolling but after 25k hit gusting winds, for the remainder of the journey. Found our hostel @ Beaconstone and allocated to the "hut" completely in the bush but nice and cosy. No stores for groceries so it's one of Ray Mears survival meals tonight - yummie!!! Spencer there was a vintage car rally through the Gorge and we couldn't believe when Pamula was driving beside us . . . exact colours . .. had to do a double take, thought you had managed to get some extra holiday.

On another note hope Reiss & Oliver had a lovely party and everyone enjoyed themselves. NOTE TO THE BOYS NAMELY Mr Happy & Bald Fat Bloke stop taking the piss you b*****s!!! (Maureen)

Day 18 Eco Lodge to Punakaiki

Keith had a briliant sleep but the Eco mattress (Copra Core with cotton) did nothing for me it was soooooo hard. Departed the lodge @ 9 a.m first 10k in sunshine and then drizzle with heavy rain to follow. Two pretty large climbs and then some flat leading into Punakaiki Beach Hostel and yes it's on the beach. Met a young couple getting here and they had hired their bikes for 17 days (300 pounds) they thought that everything was very expensive in OZ. They were both really tired trying to cram too much cycling in everyday with no rest days . . . oh to be young and silly. Weather getting better, so walk for this afternoon. Love to you all.

Thanks for all the emails/messages/comments (even the p-taking ones! We will some more pics as soon as we get around to taking some folks.