Had a bit of a sleep in. After yesterday's big ride and waking in the middle of the night to watch the F1 from Bahrain live figure I earned it. Happily, the weather was good as I had to go for a ride today to collect the car left behind in Blackball yesterday.
By the time I set off it was perfect riding weather, a thin layer of cloud, but enough sun getting through to keep it warm, and no wind!
I've never seen this coast so calm, gentle waves at beaches usually pounded by roaring surf. As the tree above implies it's not always like this!
It's a lovely road with little traffic; more heading north than going my way. It's mostly flat apart from a couple of climbs around bluffs and plenty of scenery to take in.
Ten Mile Creek
This distinctive dip inland is to a curved bridge spanning Ten Mile Creek.
I diverted off the road to explore a trail which went about a kilometre or so upstream. As I was returning a big posse of motorbikes cruised past enjoying the coast road. I was too far away to see much but from the sound was a mix of Harley and sportier(revy) bikes, at least some sounded like Ducati to me.
This sign wasn't kidding, just around the corner a cliff on the move...
I didn't go swimming, water a bit nippy for me, but further along this beach kids were!
The road heads towards Greymouth but before crossing the river I turned left and headed inland towards Blackball.
Brunner
Had a good long look around the Brunner Mine Memorial and heritage site. Mining and processing life was hard and death from industrial disease/accident too common. New Zealand’s worst mining disaster happened here on 26 March 1896, killing 65 men, but not the only place on the coast this industry has resulted in tragedy.
This bridge spans the Grey River, just popped over for a look before returning to re-join the road to Blackball.
Another glimpse of the Tranz-Alpine Train heading out of town.
On the road to Blackball
On the far side of the river, The Kanieri: the last of 150 operating gold dredges on the West Coast.
I don't know who this mailbox is supposed to be, but I immediately thought of the Goon Show's 'The Famous Eccles' played by Spike Milligan.
Blackball!
Stopped for the obligatory Blackball sign photo, just after I took this a TA’er rode up (their route uses this road) on the way through to Blackball. Be quite cool for the TA to include Paparoa, what’s another hill for them!
Some of the signs as you come into Blackball town.
‘Formerly The Blackball Hilton’
Got to Blackball and my car was as I left it.
After chucking the bike in I went to the Hilton, actually 'Formerly The Blackball Hilton', for lunch.
To quote Te Ara...
'This traditional two-storey hotel in Blackball has had many changes of owner since it was built in the early 1900s. In the 1990s it was renamed the Blackball Hilton, but after protests from an overseas hotel chain this was changed to ‘Formerly the Blackball Hilton’. There is, in fact, good justification for the name as it is opposite Hilton Street, named after one of the directors of the Blackball Coal Company.
From 'http://teara.govt.nz/.../21001/formerly-the-blackball-hilton'
It's a traditional kiwi country pub, was surprised to find a North Islander behind the bar. She'd moved to Blackball from Hamilton.
Lunch was a nice burger and apple cider, or two...
I like this track users special: just walk 51km over the mountains for and you only pay $20 for a Pie, a Pint, and a shower. It was suggested, after two days cycling or four days walking, to do them in the reverse order...
Back and pack
Drove back to Punakaiki where I cleaned the bikes and packed the car. Tomorrow, I move to Westport after a lovely stay. Was so good to get all the rides I wanted here done, even more so in mostly fine weather!
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