Tuesday 29 January 2013

NZ Meulers Hut Walk

Did the walk up to Meulers hut today 6hrs return and 1100m climb. The views from the hut were spectacular even if the climb was a bastard.
We enjoyed lunch at the hut watching and listening to the avalanches that were in full swing with the midday sun.

Was absolutely knackered so needed a power kip when I got back.







Monday 28 January 2013

NZ Mt Cook

Hired a car and headed up to Aoraki (Mt Cook) for a couple of nights. Stopped on the way at Arrow town for a coffee/brunch lovely little spot but a bit ye olde Devonshire tea'y.

I've never been to Aoraki. It's beautiful. Like being in Europe without all the pretence and people. The evening was spent with a beer and steak at the Mounraineers cafe overlooking Mt Cook.

Early to bed so as to start a walk early tomorrow.

Sunday 27 January 2013

New Zealand Treempin

In a last minute decision I booked a Flight to NZ (queens town) to meet up with KB and tick off a few NZ sth island classic walks. Have Routburn booked and the see what else takes my fancy. Thinking a week or two.

Queenstown is as beautiful as ever.

Sunday 13 January 2013

Pier to Pub

I foolishly entered the Pier to Pub again this year whilst riding around OZ. well I returned just in time to participate meaning the only training was last years swim. So headed down and stayed at the Wynhoven's at big hill the night before. This gave me a chance to catch up with Ollie and Cindy at Aireys Pub after a years absence.

The swim was very pleasant. Long (pic from start line) but I enjoyed it. Too much obviously as I clocked my slowest time ever.

The regulation celebratory BBQ and beers at the Corchette holiday estate was sensational, much merriment with Ollie, Cindy, Simon, Sarah and their bub.

Heads a but sore the next morning the trip back to Melb was postponed till midday.

Tuesday 8 January 2013

GS OZ Day 104 HOME in Port Melbourne 168km 2:00hr

After 104 days, 23,540km and a million memories, I have completed my lap of Australia on my trusty BMW R1200GS managing to keep it shiny side up.

After a big sleep in this morning at Theo and Rosas' I headed off on my last days ride of the tour. Arriving without much ado in Port Melbourne in the afternoon I did a compulsory lap of beach road to let the brain know it was real. Then I made the final right hander and there I was in my drive.

I wonder what it'll be like tomorrow, not packing and climbing aboard?

Now the next adventure Mmmmm? This trip was so much fun I've a good mind to have a weeks sleep and do it all again.





GS OZ Day 103 Traralgon Walhalla

Theo and I headed out on the Beemers to Walhalla for a coffee run today. This is a classic coffee run ride with loads of twisties. We sat to drink our coffees on the banks of the creek and indulged in the usual chat that riding and these surroundings promote.

The ride back was just as fun and after a quick stuff around to find oil for my Beemer we settled in for a BBQ dinner.

Sunday 6 January 2013

GS OZ Day 102 Traralgon 145k 2hr

Woke this morning and headed of to Metung for breakfast with Frank, Suz and Anna. Over eggs we hatched the days plan to go for a sail on the Gippsland lakes on Franks Hobbie Cat. So back at the farm all the equipment was made ready whilst I returned Franks beloved Ducati (pic) into its rightfully home on a track stand in his lounge room after yesterday's coffee run.

The rigging of the cat took a wee bit longer than expected as it needs a little maintenance and several key bits either broke or fell off. It t was late buy the time i pushed Frank and Anna off into the water possibly never to be seen again, so I had to get Suz to drive me back to the farm so I could leave for Traralgon.

The ride along the highway was woefully slow so I switched to the back way through Maffra etc arriving later than expected at my mate Theo's for a few celebratory beers and a cigar.





Saturday 5 January 2013

GS OZ Day 101 Metung 245km 3:30hr

Falwell to the Fuller clan and then south to Gipsland. I organized to stay at My mate Franks farm near Metung. Suz had driven up from Melbourne with a friend Anna.

Franks farm is like a multi building Manland. Firstly theres the house complete with Ducati in the lounge and verandas overlooking the property. Then there's a party shed with bar, fire bins, facility for kegs inc taps etc. Next the toy shed with Franks collection of motor bikes(5) and a wwII jeep. Finally the workshop shed including a smattering of quad Bikes. This is Heaven

it was the Quad bikes that Frank suggested we try first. what fun Frank rode one with Suz clinging for dear life on the back and Anna ridding the other with me on the back. the property is basically a fun park for these bikes we bush bashed thrashed them in circles pushed some steeps and generally invested their carbon footprint wisely.

Next up it was on to the motor bikes. Frank on his Beemer with Side car (wheel chair fits nicely in the side car) Suz on the back, me on my Beemer, Anna on franks Beemer GS and Brian on the Ducati. The ride was beautiful following the Tambo river to the Bruthen Brewery for a cleanser and a squirt back home via Metung to pick up BBQ supplies. The BBQ that evening was a great chance to meet some Franks rather extended family.

What Fun



Friday 4 January 2013

GS OZ Day 100 Merimbula 345km 4:00hr

Finally said my farewells to the Leung clan and headed down the coast to Merimbula to staying with Dave and Annemarie at her parents. I'd never been to this town before and was quite impressed with he surrounding areas. We drove and walked in the national; park (pic) after lunch and walked the town after dinner.





Thursday 3 January 2013

GS OZ Day 99 Berry Again

I had intended to leave today but i dicked around so long that couldn't be bothered. I then convinced Meg to watch a DVD in the arvo and follow that up with a Movie in Nowra (Life of Pi) with Lucy. To cap the sloth day off we ordered pizza.

Wednesday 2 January 2013

GS OZ Day 98 Berry

Sloth Day coffee. Play with the kids etc

Tuesday 1 January 2013

GS OZ Day 97 Berry

Down to the beach this morning after cleaning up from the night before. Caught one wave and had fun with the kids learning to surf.


I the arvo I took Ming on the back of the Beemer and we explored the hills behind Berry which was a bit of fun. I think Ming was distracted from the ride due to his ears being squashed in the helmet.