Empire State of Mind

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If you are ever in Ross (a long shot, I know) you MUST visit the Empire Hotel.  No fake beams and mass produced 'artifacts' here - it is the genuine article, straight out of the 1800's. Unfortunately they made the mistake of doing a 10 quid eat all you can buffet last night and the place is now in receivership.

Rule Britannia

Today was 82 miles down the west coast with some big hills at the very end. We were magnificent and never more so than in the 20 miles after the coffee break.  A supported group of Mericans left the cafe 5-15 minutes before us so we hunted them down like dogs.  They had no gear but we still caught the last one after 8 miles.  On this trip we tend to average about 12mph but in those 20 miles, including a fair size hill, we made 15.8. 

We are now in Fox Glacier (still no polar bear on a mint), camping because everywhere is full and pretty pleased with ourselves.  Our savings account is brimming and we have our required day in hand.

Islands in the Stream

Our cunning plan for our extra day is to go to Stewart Island, an hour by ferry from the normal end point of Bluff.  This takes us just that little bit further towards Antarctica and gives us a chance to see Kiwis as the whole island is a wildlife preserve with just 20 miles of paved road.

We will get to Bluff on Wednesday afternoon, cross to the island for a night then return on Thursday to get the bikes packed up for the Friday flight home.

Time for sports drink, I think!

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