Cycle Touring on the South Island of New Zealand

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Tuesday, January 11th, 2005 - Christchurch to Oregon, USA

Jeff on a penny farthing at the museum

After a whirlwind tour though Christchurch's fabulous museum and Arts Center, we all piled in the car for a trip to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. The Reserve has a large, enclosed building in which they have re-created a typical kiwi habitat. Kiwi are a nocturnal bird; timid and are rarely seen by humans. The habitat was dark and very damp. We waited quietly while our eyes adjusted to the darkness. Before long, we spotted several kiwi pecking away with their long, pencil-like beaks. They are larger than I expected them to be, roughly the size of a chicken. The lack of wings makes them look somehow incomplete. I'm glad we had a chance to see them.

Bidding goodbye to the Pease Family at the Christchurch Airport

Our 6pm flight out of Christchurch took us directly to Los Angeles, where we transferred to a flight to Portland. Once again, 1st class was topnotch. Like people in a time machine, we arrived in Portland at 4pm on the 11th, a full 2 hours BEFORE we had departed Christchurch. I guess that makes up for losing December 27th.

Interesting Ride Stats

Flats: Jeff 3, Susan 0.
Distance: 730.1 km (453.6 miles)
Photos taken: approximately 1,200
Sandfly bites: Too many
Geocaches found: 4
Headcolds: 2
Priceless memories: COUNTLESS