Weekend in Paradise...

[FJRider]

Saturday dawned with the sound of rain on the roof. A downer on any day. No ride planned... so I rolled over and slept some more.
One of the chores to do that day, was gas up the car. So, when I did get up, away I went.The local Mobil (Alex) station, is now also a "proper" motorcycle shop. Workshop included.(7 DAYS) The name of the shop is Two Wheels Unlimited. Check them out if you are in town.
There were a few (more) motorcycles about than usual... so when paying for the gas... I asked the not so silly question. Is there a bike run on today ??? There was. The Chatto Creek had a run to Bruce Bay. (Half way between Haast and Fox Glacier) They overnight in the Hall. Mattresses (provided) on the floor are better that hard ground any day.The sky was clearing... a plan was forming in, what passes for my brain. The front tyre was borderline at the last warrant...but another 600 km's ??? Hell, if I take it easy...(yeah right) I should be OK.
Next trick...(explain my plan to girlfriend...and survive [yeah right]) So I did explain plan to said girlfriend She went for a pee...and I went...
The start point was the Chatto Creek pub at 10 am, but after "chat" to she, it was already half past that. No probs... I know where they stop, and where they are going (did one of the runs there a few years back).
So back to the hovel I call home...and pack. Sleeping bag, pillow (I'm a softy) spare change of clothes, then back to the gas station to fuel up.
236 km's to Haast...less than 2-1/2 hours later I was IN Haast. Wasn't the last to arrive though(they made a few stops...I didnt) Hit a bit of misty rain north of Makarora... but thats expected on "the coast". Lunch at Scotty', and onto Bruce Bay. Only ONE gent stopped by the law. Ticket written fo 139 km's (but WAS doing more) plus more "paperwork" for a few other things... $700 worth of fines...(explain that to the miss'es)
Return home the next day, same route, Paradise indeed...

[Dino]

Sounds like you had lots of fun, you do live in a great part of the country.

[Okey Dokey]

That sounds like a neat trip. I take it that you didn't have to belong to the Chatto Club to go?

[FJRider]

No, You didn't have to be a member of the club.

[martybabe]

Just a teeny tiny bit jealous. No idea where any of them places are but it sounds and looks mighty fine. I don't know if you have an original owners manual but on page 23 it clearly states....Warning; FJ's and their owners are prone to spontaneous tiki tours, this could cause serious injury or worse if your lady gets hold of you.

Nice one FJ, there's many a time, back in the day, when I popped out to the garage to tinker with my FJ and ended up pissing off to the Welsh mountains, about 200k away for a pastie and a coffee, Just because I could.

Always let the Bride know though, I sent her postcards from some lovely places.

[98tls]

Sounds like a great day out mate,on ya.

[karla]

Nice one FJ, there's many a time, back in the day, when I popped out to the garage to tinker with my FJ and ended up pissing off to the Welsh mountains, about 200k away for a pastie and a coffee, Just because I could.

Ah yes, that's what I need in my life - more impulse and less responsibility! Don't we all need to throw caution to the wind now and then and go beyond the "because we should" to "because we could". Thank you for the timely reminder.

One of those stopovers was my old hometown - going to be there over xmas and really looking forward to doing the journey on bike rather than the usual car trip. Thanks for the pics FJ Rider.