Another lap of the South Island

**Phreaky Phil** · 26th April 2009, 22:15

Hi fellow adventurers. Dawn and I have just returned from 2 weeks Adv touring down Sth. 4350km covering Rainbow rd, Lee's Valley/Ashley Gordge, Black forest, Skippers & Branches, Attempt on Macetown, Obleisk rock, Thompsons Track, Borland Rd Danseys Pass, Hakataramea Pass, Maruia Saddle rd, Braeburn track, Porika Track.
Story & Pics to follow.

**NordieBoy** · 26th April 2009, 22:40

Well?

You've had half an hour...

**LBD** · 27th April 2009, 01:34

still waiting...and was the Okuku river ford in Lees valley as slimey and slippery as the time I managed to stay dry for about the first 1/4 of the crossing? Then got sodding wet as I tried to pull myself out from under the bike....

**tri boy** · 27th April 2009, 04:20

Getting tired.......

, must fight sleepiness

, can't hold out much longer

......torture

Ya big tease's

**Phreaky Phil** · 27th April 2009, 17:38

Sorry to keep you waiting but I had to go do work again. We headed for Wellington on Easter Friday, a couple of days after the big dump of snow all over the Sth Island. We've had this happen before so we didnt panic as much as the first time, although have to admit to craming in another polarfleece. From Wellington you could see the Tararua's had a good dose of snow on them. Our first day in the Sth Island saw us heading for St Arnaud for fuel and a hot pie before heading into the Rainbow. We were'nt sure how much snow there would be but there was only one way to find out.
Pic 1 Interislander with Tararua's behind.
Pic 2 The gate were you pay. $15 now.
Pic 3 Stunning scenery!!!
Pic 4 The last climb to Island saddle.

**Phreaky Phil** · 27th April 2009, 17:42

Try again with the photos

**Phreaky Phil** · 27th April 2009, 19:37

There was snow on the hills all round and it was just stunning !!!!! As we climbed to Island Saddle, the snow thickened and on the saddle covered everything but the road. Being Easter the road was busy, we saw about 20 vehicles but surprisingly no other bikes. Where were you all ????
Pic 1 Near Island Saddle
Pic 2 Looking South from Island Saddle
Pic 3 Lake Tenyson
Pic 4 Coming down Jollies pass

**marks** · 28th April 2009, 09:42

drip feeding your avid audience is hardly fair

get with the program Phil and post LOTS of pictures NOW

**Phreaky Phil** · 28th April 2009, 12:38

Originally Posted by marks

drip feeding your avid audience is hardly fair

get with the program Phil and post LOTS of pictures NOW

Sorry, but had to go to work again, Shouldnt complain at the moment i spose. have to sort through lots and shrink them to fit. Will try to do better later on.

**Phreaky Phil** · 28th April 2009, 17:29

After a night in Hanmer I set the GPS for Okuku Pass Rd, which takes you into the Lees Valley. At first you head up through a forestry area before the country opens up into farm land. Its neat riding, as you wind in and out of valleys on whats little more than a farm track. Near the end of Okuku Pass Rd there's a river to cross, luckily it was low and only about axle deep. Then onto the Lee's Valley road, with some big open country and long gravel straights before heading into the Ashley Gordge. The road snakes its way up and down over the gordge with some massive drops off the side. Impressive.!!

Pic 1 Okuku Pass Rd
Pic 2 Lees Valley Rd
Pic 3 Auto gate opener !! (Plays up and starts giving trouble after 6-7 gates)
Pic 4 The end of Okuku Hill Station

**Phreaky Phil** · 28th April 2009, 17:43

Pic 1 Lees Valley
Pic 2 View off the road into the Ashley Gordge
Pic 3 Ashley Gordge
Pic 4 The mighty Airhead !!!

**Cary** · 29th April 2009, 17:24

Must be great having an onboard camera woman/gate opener/closer

**Phreaky Phil** · 29th April 2009, 18:35

Originally Posted by Cary

Must be great having an onboard camera woman/gate opener/closer

Not to mention Traction control device. Has to be some Perks eh !!
Having problem with next lot of photos. Had them put onto DVD in Queenstown on on of these flash photo machines. Now all i seem to be able to do is view them. Cant figure out how to save them or print them

Mite take disc to local camera shop tomorrow and see if they can sort it

**junkmanjoe** · 29th April 2009, 18:41

looks like you hade a great time.
snow looks a little cold.
i would be interested to view a course route, some time.
as im heading to do the tour around xmas time.

**Phreaky Phil** · 29th April 2009, 18:51

Originally Posted by junkmanjoe

looks like you hade a great time.
snow looks a little cold.
i would be interested to view a course route, some time.
as im heading to do the tour around xmas time.

No worries. We will probably catch at a ride soon. We can check it out on a map.