Writing from Franz Joseph Glacier. We rode hard all day, only one quick stop for lunch in Punakaiki - there's "pancake" rocks here that are basically a layered rock formation. Breathtaking views around every corner. The ride past Mt Cook was beautiful, the town we ended up in is surrounded by rain forest. Franz Joseph feels like Whistler or some resort town but much smaller than a ski slope. Basically everyone here is visiting the glacier or working in the hostels (aka backpackers in New Zealand-ease) and hotels and restaurants. The girl who checked us into the hostel moved to New Zealand from the United States a few months ago. She hitched to Franz Joesph then ran out of money so decided to stay here and work at the hostel. Pretty funny - but this whole town feels bohemian like that.
It's fun talking with Wade getting to know each other better - we really did not know one another outside work much before this trip. We're laughing basically all day when we're not on the bikes.
Turns out the BMW 850 I'm on can't wheelie. Darn. Have to find some other way to make it hooligan, having tons of fun riding.
Tomorrow it's off to Queenstown.
