Rainbow Connection

I suppose Kermit was right... "why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side..." oh my I'm quoting a frog (what does this mean).

All I know is that after about 370km of cloud and 95km of that cycling in the rain - seeing the rainbow was just what the doctor ordered.

The rest of the weather even cooperated... the wind was from behind and pushed me up and down hills all the way to Wanaka past Lake Hawea (as is pictured).

Actually the journey from Haast to Wanaka was probably one of my most difficult both emotionally and physically. Emotionally perhaps because of the dismal weather on the Wet Coast (aka West Coast) and Physically because the sheer climb. Climbing the Haast pass was the first time (and hopefully only time) that I actually had to get off my bicycle and walk for approximately 1km before I could continue to ride.

Finally some amazing views of the stunning Southern Alps.

Wanaka provided a day of rest - okay so I climbed a mountain and it took me 2 hours to get to the top but the view from 1578m was 360 degrees of pure delight. Going down the mountain wasn't as much fun... but hey it was worth the pain in my knees. Feelin fit and ready for more fun!