Most of us slept well, although all mentioned hearing their respective neighbours snoring through thin and uninsulated walls (meaning all of us were guilty at some point) and everyone was chipper first thing.
I'm sure the hotel was new once, but it was a long time and many renovations ago - reasonably attractive and "as per the advertising " from the front, but certainly the victim of age and neglect in every other regards. Having said that, publican Glenda ran a good ship, clean if not tidy, so no complaints. Overflow accommodation in the untidy "back yard" was a 20ft container, converted to 3 rooms (cells), each with 2 bunks and no ventilation.... We'd woken to Heavy fog which delayed our departure, but depart we did when we felt the worst of the fog had lifted - hmmm, at times we had to creep along like a thief in the night, knowing that eventually things would improve, and knowing fog to be the precursor of a brilliant sunny day. Along the way, just outside the small village of Outram, Mickey stopped at his Father in Law's grave, apparently to pay his respects, before catching us up at the local cafe for breakfast. As is my custom, I paid my own respects at the inevitable and ubiquitous memorial to local lads killed in far off wars, wondering at the madness of it all, and whether we've learnt anything despite the terrible price paid. No matter how small the town or village, even if there is only one deserted store, a memorial will stand, forever remembering the names of young men who died for Mother England.... Balclutha came and went, as did Gore and it's outsize trout, but we were bound for Bluff, and another box ticked, enjoying what had become a fabulous day. We took the obligatory photos, both single and group courtesy of a young French girl, keen to be of assistance. From there, a late lunch of fresh Bluff oysters and blue cod - marvellous, next stop E Hayes and Sons, home of Burt Munro's Indian motorcycle, and an absolute emporium of all things fabulous- worth a visit. We're now at the Ascot Hotel for the night, a massive property, and we now know that several other groups from Auckland are here too - I suspect we may be in for a late night. Tomorrow, St Bathans. Comments are closed.
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Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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