Arthur's Pass

Breakfast with the East Java Harley Chapter. Delightful guys who charmed a local WI group also staying at the hotel

Despite low cloud all day, it remained dry. So disappointing photographs, but thankfully nice safe riding

This was the flip back across to Christchurch, completing the South Island circuit

Followed route known as Arthur's Pass - first used by Maori tribes crossing to the west coast to find pounamu (greenstone) Boy they must have really loved the stuff, as it was challenging enough by bike, let alone on foot and weighed down with their haul

Stopped at cafe on top and shared coffee with group of 'mature' British bikers travelling opposite direction, doing a circuit of airfields and vineyards (each to their own). They'd got soaked on way across, recommending getting waterproofs on. Somehow and happily, I avoided it

Finally got back to the hotel, to be greeted by Vaughn and a new bike. I've been upgraded to a big shiny BMW 1200. Looks huge, however Vaughn assures me it is the bisso - we'll see!