Day 23 - February 2, 2023

Day 23:  Picton - Havelock

We get our wheels turning on the stunning Queen Charlotte drive.  A shorter riding day offers us time to explore the coastal settlements along the way.

This was a pretty gentle introduction to the South Island.  Not stellar weather, but at least the clouds were a little higher than they were yesterday.  Only 35 km total today, so we left an hour later than usual.  Still got in earlier than the hotel was expecting us.  

Of course we started climbing almost immediately, although it was quite gentle and not too much at any one time.  We followed the shoreline along Queen Charlotte Drive almost the entire way.  Lovely vistas out to the water..........

Coming out of Picton.  The ferry is just coming in.  They must have a really good backup camera on that thing!

I think I had a picture taken at this same lookout 17 years ago.  I'll have to look for it when I get home.

We passed a bay with this big lumber yard.  Logging is alive and well in the neighbourhood.

Miscellaneous views along the way.............

This was such a winding road set right on the cliff above the ocean that there were many places where no doubt the recent rains have created many new problems.  There were probably a half dozen sections that had traffic lights to control one-way traffic.  

Evidence of recent clear-cutting.............

In this picture you might be able to see the gentle slope of our last climb cut into the hillside across the bay.

A few more scenic shots.............

And finally.......... approaching our destination town of Havelock.

A whopping 35 km today.  I'm pretty happy it was a short day because we've had a lot of rain since we pulled in.  Off to the Mussel Pot for dinner tonight.

Stats for the day:

Distance:  35.9 km

Elevation (Garmin):  1508' up, 1441' down

Elevation (RWGPS):  2979' up, 2975' down  (I'll believe the Garmin)

Weather:  18C - 20C.  Overcast all day.  A few light showers now and then.  Nothing requiring a coat.