Original 2/9/16
Our Triumph motorbikes are ready. Our first outing, the Rock Ferry Winery and their restaurant, The Cellar Door & Cafe !
Amazing scenery, decadent food & wonderful wines!
To learn more about this winery & restaurant visit http://www.rockferry.co.nz
Photo Slide Show: Triump Bikes (left to right: Storm, Penelope & Stevie), Rock Ferry Winery & Restaurant
Original Date: 2/9/16
Meet “Stevie.” Named after singer/songwriter, Stevie Nicks.
A 2011 Triumph America Motorcycle.
“Stevie” will be my motorbike for the next two weeks while touring the South Island of New Zealand.
“Stevie” is owned by my good friend and running comrade, Paul Knight. Thank you, Paul for this amazing opportunity. While touring in New Zealand, I will be following NZ driving laws & driving etiquette.
Original 2/9/16
Photo Slide Show: City Centre, Cathedral Square, Christchurch Tramway, The Avon River, Flowers by the Re: START City Mall, A Garden Pod, Inside of Commuter Flight to Blenheim/Nelson
After two devastating earthquakes (2010 & 2011), Christchurch, New Zealand continues to rebuild from the rumble.
Even in its tattered state, I see beauty everywhere. Rebirth occurring.
Flying into Blenheim/Nelson airport to meet my running comrades Steve Schindler & Paul Knight.
Our motorcycle “warmup” begins today.
Original Date: 2/8/16
Best ever Banana Smoothie! Terrific food and great service. Visit Tu’s Place when in Nadi, Fiji
No visit to Fiji would be complete without a trip to Monuriki Island.
Monuriki Island is a tiny uninhabited gem located in the Mamanuca Islands and was made famous by the movie “Castaway” featuring Tom Hanks.
I ended my stay in the Mamanuca Islands taking a semi-private boat trip to Monuriki Island.
Our 16 year old Fijian guide trekked us up the mountainside to the top of the island. This trek is not for the faint of heart. It’s incredible hot and it’s a steep climb (steeper than the Fiji stairclimber). The views are spectacular.
The pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are simply amazing. The salty waters teem with fish.
Well worth the visit!
Above picture taken while trekking up the steep mountainside on Monuriki Island.
Arrived by boat with a couple from AUS. via our resort.
Initial reaction – not favorable as the floating platform was packed with a younger crowd and most of the prime seating (daybeds and chairs) were spoken for. However, within 45 mins. or less, the younger crowd disappeared by boat, the prime seating reopened and an older more mature, yet fun-loving crowd arrived.
Cloud9 plays surround sound music and prepares some edible Italian wood-fire pizzas. If you like alcohol and lots of it, you will love the drinks on Cloud9. I had a few “taste test” sample sips only and the drinks were loaded with alcohol. Today, Cloud9 had no blenders so the drink selection was a bit more limited.
The waters surrounding the platform were extremely warm, clear, and salty. Very salty. The sun is super hot in Fiji so sunscreen is an absolute must (in and out of the water).
The snorkeling (BYO gear) while enjoyable was just average.
I liked Cloud9. I liked sharing the day away with a wonderful couple from AUS. I think I’d like it even better with a group of my closest friends.
A good establishment to rent out for a special event or party. After all…this restaurant/bar is surrounded by turquoise blue waters with no other establishments in sight.
Heading off by boat to visit a fairly new business venture here in the Mamanuca Islands known as Cloud9Fiji. It’s a 2 level restaurant/bar located off Roro Reef. I’ll give you my review upon my return.
Where In The World Is She Now? 