Day 14 Christchurch-Hanmer Springs

We headed north to Hanmer Springs a thermal resort on the way to Lewis Pass. It was a sunshiny cool day, that warmed as we rode and was shirtsleeve weather by the time we got there. It was only a 3 hour ride, through placid countryside before we turned east and started to wind up through the foothills.

Hamner is a popular small resort town that has a ski area making it a year round destination. We got there early enough for lunch and after meeting Len, our host at Cheltenham House and getting the layout we walked 2 blocks into the 4 block commercial area. We immediately found a menu that appealed and both ordered the Smoked Salmon Salad at Springs Deli Cafe. It was Mount Cook Salmon which we had missed in Lake Tekapo. It was wonderful.

Len had told us that a couple of other Harley riders we coming that night and as we returned from lunch I could see as we walked up the street that they had arrived. As we got close I recognized the bike. It was the o3 Road King with a lambswool seat cover ,Wayne Martin, the guy from Georgia we'd met in Lake Tekapo was riding. As we rounded the corner we saw Greg and Katrena parking the other bikes. We were happy to see them and thank them face to face for their generosity in Lake Tekapo.

I needed to gain some ground on the blog, so I worked for a couple of hours while David took a ride toward the pass. When David returned we headed for the thermal pools with the towels Len had provided. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is a nice very commercial thermal experience. We enjoyed the sulfur pools, but not the locker setup.

We returned to the B&B in time to shower and join the wine reception provided by our hosts Len and his vivacious wife Maree. I had a chance to visit with Greg about his (other) life as a psychologist and marriage celebrant. Meanwhile David visited with Wayne discussing a number of topics including his life as an FBI agent. David and I headed out for dinner. Even though we had Indian the night before we liked the menu at an upscale Indian fusion place called Malabars. I had the pork belly and David had duck. Both very good.

We returned to Cheltenham House and found Greg's group, including old friend Bruce gathered in the billiard room. We learned Snooker on the regulation table (big). Greg whipped me while we drank some fine New Zealand Pinot Noir.

We got to bed late but were ready for breakfast by 7:30 which was beautifully prepared and served in our room. We said goodbye to our new found friends and our gracious hosts (including their dog and cat) then headed to the east coast for our trip to wine country.

Note: a lot of theses restaurants we visited had no web site, therefore no link.