The day dawned cold and clear. I felt better and so decided to carry on despite last night’s determination to have a rest day. I bought some snacks at the Franz Josef petrol station which is notable for having the Alpine Fault running through the forecourt. People filling up their Toyota Highlander rentals are risk-taking adventure tourists without knowing it.
The road to Fox is very scenic with some good hills. The scenery and cool morning was invigorating. It was Sean’s turn not to feel great but he came right after a nature break.
Sean and John on the Fox Glacier Highway.
At Fox I had a large second breakfast at the Hobnail Café which was offering a free coffee for TA riders. As well as John and Sean, Brendhan, Quin and the tandem riders Annette and Gary who I hadn't seen since Mangakino, were there. The large cooked breakfast was the best of the trip so far. I think second breakfasts are my favorite meal.
The road to the Fox Glacier was closed due to the road slipping away. We briefly entertained the idea of biking on past the barrier for a looksee, but decided it was there for good reason and continued south.
Fox Glacier is beyond here somewhere.
The rest of the road to Haast I found mentally tough. We stopped at Bruce Bay where thankfully there was a coffee cart selling ice creams; served by a young American woman with a tattoo on her neck saying something to the effect she was the architect of her own destruction. I wondered if she decided to get the tattoo after cycling to Bruce Bay. If so I could understand why. Nevertheless, I don't think I've ever been so happy to see a coffee cart.
Sean, John and seagull at the Bruce Bay coffee cart.
We next stopped at the Salmon Farm Café for lunch and I could have quite easily have gone to sleep on the floor and was conflicted by this lack of energy versus just wanting to get the day over with.
Although the next official photo stop is Knight’s Point, due to the name I think it would be more appropriate to be Quad Creek near where the Paringa Cattle Track starts. Just saying.
Prior to starting the TA I thought the Cattle Track would be a cheeky little alternative route, but I never seriously considered it as didn’t like the idea bush bashing through treefall with a bike.
By the time we were south of Knight’s Point the wind was at our backs and our speed increased as did my mood. At the Haast holiday park, Steph, Katie and John R were there. As always it was good to see them.
