Slowbee

We might have gone snorkeling with Dusky Dolphins as our Christmas present, with Kaikoura Dolphin Experience. If any of you NZ'ers get a chance, it is well worth it. As we get closer to winter the chances of seeing orca's also goes up. And if you like your sea birds, you get to see them as well. The family decided that Christmas was not about presents, but about experiences. Birthdays can be about wanting stuff aka "birthday gifts".

Thanks guys. I am also on South Island. Trying to find that holy grail between, weight, weather proof and one tent fits all.

The racks are arriving for Christmas. Getting rear and front. And then a bag for under the moloko bar. And then the panniers in the new year. Weekend trips, here we come !!

Hey Baracuda, I am also looking at a tebnt for NZ conditions. Mainly being wind and rain. The naturehikes seem to get good reviews, but having pitched one, I am not so sure about the material. Currently I am looking at a Vango Halo 200 from Bivouac. Yes it is heavy (3.2kgs), but that is the compromise I am willing to make so that I can have a dry space that does not collapse in the wind, and then springs back out when it stops.

We stay close to the Ashleigh River, so get to ride along the flood berm as part of my ride. There are some nice little single track sections, but I will only ride those when my North Canterbury Cycling Club board arrives. If I ride from home, all of the riding is flat. And windy. Always windy. And it always changes direction when you hit the turn around point. Always. 🙃

Steam bikes are dying here in NZ. I see more e bikes on a day to day basis than steam bikes. BUT, here in NZ you can buy an ebike from R3000 all the way up to R200K. The bikes range from commuter run arounds to mean downhill machines and everything in between. But that said, Tesla's are also a common sighting and they are awesome to drive 😉

Eish, sorry about the big images. But if you guys ever get a chance to go to Lake Tekapo, it is well worth a visit. Especially as it is a Dark Sky Area, and you can go to Mount John to the observatory. The place is mind blowing. Oh yes, I also need to post a picture of the famous church.

Does anyone know how to get hold of Guy in Pink ? Does his Mrs not run a guest house up that part of the world ? Common guys, I know one of you must have a contact somewhere!

Can we not send Cois and his family to kruger for a week ? Does anyone have contacts or something?

Robbie, the hubs resident long tour photo poster, copperhead, is coming up with a plan. And I cannot believe you peeps saw through the my questions and thinking like well .... it was obvious.

Where do you want to travel to ? I mean what sort of places you want to go ? Lets put this out there and lets see where it goes.

Cois, when last did you have a holiday? Are you able to travel around at all ?

ooooooooo I never got told about those shirts!!! Please please please can I buy two ? I will pay postage ????

And if you can, take some spare parts and bits and bobs. Arno gets the local kids involved in bike builds. The kids get to ride the bikes and learn how to service and maintain them. I loved seeing the kids riding around on bikes.

Cois, a few questions. How much was that buggy? How much do you think the costs are to get vinyl covering ? Lastly, do you watch Netflix Movies or what kinda streaming do you do to pass the time ? Oh and do you use fibre/broadband at home and who you with ?

Hey Cois As mentioned from earlier post money paid across from a previous hub fundraiser drive. Hope it helps. SB

I cannot recall who managed to get Ghost ?

Cois, you might recall that little girl we helped a while ago with a hub fundraiser? I have not been able to get hold of the family to give them the money. I am sure hubbers will not mind if we send these last bits to you. I just ask that you (or another hubber) post your bank details as I cant find them going back on this thread. SB

Our day 12 Covid test done and dusted. Had to use a whole lot of pre-meds to get our daughter through this one. The staff were amazing in helping us. Really patient. Just a bit sad that the nurse was a bit harsh on her. But sheesh, it is incredible how kids can be inspirational. Despite her fear and anxiety and tears and crying, she new she had to do it, And she did it. Amazing to see her overcome her fear and do what needs to be done. Now there a re a few things that need to be done that I have been avoiding. Like paying bills.

Also, calling davetapson! Need your # dude.

Thanks DJR. Do not be fooled by my comments. It has not been easy, but we are hanging in.