24th December 2021 (warm, sunny and breezy) 57km

After a temperature drop to three degrees overnight, Julia had struggled with sleep and it wasn't until she snuggled up to me about 5am that she slept for an hour and a half. It was very cold when I had gone to the loo at 4am, but generally I'd slept well. That was after the guys next to us who had one of those, "sleep on the roof of the car" jobs had banged doors zipped the bloody door open ten times and left the doors open, so we got that annoying  beep, beep, beep.  Plus they had a very annoying whiny little kid going "where's my pillow?"  Over and over at the top of her high pitched loud little voice.  Ju and I would have happily volunteered our blow up pillows to smother out that racket.                          

Woke at 6.30am and straight to the kitchen to work on the blog. We have to keep our viewers happy. Do you have any idea the stress in trying to get out a quality piece of work? Actually, Irena knows on a regular basis. 

Cuppa to start the day then into the pack up. Met Dot and Den for breakfast at the Greedy Cow and Andrew and Barry were there too. Awesome brekky and we were ready to take on the world (minus the wind). Stocked up at the supermarket, where Julia chatted to a young couple with small kids, telling them just how fabulous it was to feel the freedom after 25 years of doing another cycle trip to Helsinki without the kids. I could see the despairing look on the woman's face and as we cycled away, I swear I could hear her say  "smug bitch".                 

Cycled away up the road into what appeared to be a new subdivision, but soon turned into aqua blue canals from the hydro scheme. We were now on gravel and things were going nicely. The wind was becoming quite cool and as we travelled further the gravel was less compacted and quite bumpy.

Suddenly, my carrier rack has one less holding bolt. Not to be defeated, I dive into my frame bag for a cable tie. Problem sorted. By now, Mt Cook was peaking out from behind the clouds and we were getting a glimpse of what was to come. Again, I heard a rattle and my cable tie snaps. Into my box of tricks." You will not defeat me" I cry. "Take that". I have now threaded the cable tie through the opening twice. "Double thickness" I scream. We travel on and all is well. 

The closer we get to Lake Pukaki, the more of Mt Cook we see. What a stunning afternoon's riding. We were shooting from all angles and every few metres offered more. Another stop, this time for a snack and some cashews, with yet more photos. Riding on toward Twizel, the mountain now out in all its glory. 

Mt Cook wasn't the only thing out in all its glory!

As we neared a low point on the trail I asked Julia if she fancied a dip, knowing the answer, before she got it out. Soon, we were skinny dipping in the cool, refreshing water, under the gaze of Mt Cook and no one else. As we lay sunning ourselves on the pebbles, looking at the view, Julia says "Wow, that's very impressive". "Why, thank you darling" I reply, taking it in my stride, as I hear it every day.   

Riding on now around the final part of the lake until we head inland and over the plains to Twizel. Arrived in town and managed to get into Twizel Holiday Park, where we will stay tonight.

Picked up some supplies for tomorrow, then back to camp. Set up the tent, then Ju showered whilst I sorted the sleeping gear out, before getting wet myself. Asked the young girl who had checked us in, if she had a bolt for my carrier and she did. Legend. People down here are so nice.

Into town for dinner. Roast Lamb for both of us at 65 diner. Great food and reasonable prices, although we blew that with a $35 tip, seeing as the girls were all very nice and it's Xmas tomorrow. 

Had cheesecake, ice cream and coffee to finish, before back to camp to upload the blog.