Got a Leave Pass !!

[Kiwifruit]

Last night in the South Island for me on this trip.
300kms from Westport to Picton today, warm with a clear sky. An aircraft's vapor trail high up in the sky was visible for hours.
Dinner this evening at the Jolly Roger Bar and Restaurant in Waikawa Bay just along from Picton.
Check in for the ferry tomorrow at 6.45am. In my room getting my tie downs sorted out, gear  ready, alarm set.

[Kiwifruit]

Not many on the ferry this morning. Only one other bike on board.

[KiwiCol]

That outside one, is it from the strait with North Island in the background?

[Kiwifruit]

Was early in the crossing so I don't think so Col. A few more people appeared later, likely were outside when I took the photo. It was cold and windy outside.
Got home about 7.15 this evening. Just over 500 kms from ferry to home.
4481 kms was the total distance traveled. Had a great time away but it's always nice to be  home.
Mt Ruapehu, central North Island.

[Kiwifruit]

As promised by PC Plod i got my speeding ticket in the mail today.
66kph in a 50 = $120 let's hope that's the only mail I receive regarding speed. Lots of Police in the Central North Island. Even one monitoring temporary 30kph in road works. Not an easy speed to ride on coarse gravel.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Mr. Plod topping up the Christmas party drinks fund eh KF? Don't worry, we're in the same boat on this side of the ditch.

[KiwiCol]

How many is that now Col?   That radar detector is looking a good option about now . . .      

[Hooli]

Anti-radar missiles would be more use.

[grog]

People out killing,robbing,mugging, they are low life frogwits and you get a fine for a few ks over.Yep, all for the plods xmas party

[Hooli]

Sounds like your plod are like ours. Scared of nasty violent criminals so go after the easy innocent targets to pretend to be doing their jobs.

[Rynglieder]

Thanks for sharing the story and pictures.

I've just spent an enjoyable few minutes on Google Maps tracking down all those places with "borrowed" names 

A part of the world that I am unlikely to ever see, but it does look beautiful.

Pete.

[KiwiCol]

Just an FYI Pete, those 'borrowed' names came about cos it was poms who came here & named everything.

[Kiwifruit]

Your welcome Pete. I look forward to reading your trip report. You add such detail I have no idea how to load a map.
Next time I'm in Wimbledon I'll send you a Pic, it don't look like SW19 !!

Hooli to be fair to the Plods they are now enforcing our government's new gang patch ban. There was a Mongols gathering in Christchurch when i was traveling south from Kaikoura they set up a road block in Cheviot, they waved me through. There were lots of cops about that day, i stuck to the speed limit and was given a friendly way as i passed by. We've had some massive drug busts and ram raids have declined. I believe in the main they do a good job. I'm just grumpy because I got pinged.