Some great news and only three more sleeps

July 28, 2014

It is amazing how much you can get done when you have a deadline. Nearly all the things we need to do around the place are done and we can really concentrate on getting ready to leave. The bikes are all packed up - I am feeling guilty that I haven't done more riding but feeling very thankful that the start of the tour is so flat. All the gear is more or less packed and hopefully should pass the eagle eye of the weight police at the airport check in.

Something really exciting happened today. A friend rang and asked us if we had seen the latest Listener (NZ weekly publication) as in Michael Cooper's article there was a write up about our 2013 Montipulciano. We were very pleased with the wine when we got it back from the bottler but of course even more pleased to have Michael describe it "From a Classic Italian variety, this deeply coloured, barrel-matured red is fruit-packed and smooth with vibrant plum and spice flavours, showing good concentration. It is a bargain at this price." Our son Peter looks after wine orders while we away so no doubt he will be busy. If you are interested in this 'off bike' activity of ours have a look at www.hitchen.co.nz

Well not much left to do before we go just haircuts for us and the dogs and that all important visit to the beautician -although Ken thinks it ridiculous I am sure no one should dream of going on a long cycle tour without such a visit! Then in 3 more sleeps we are off on the first step of the journey to see Mark, Jane and their family in Brisbane.

The vines look so bare they should be well sprouted when we return

Wine sleeping in barrels ready for us to return

We lamb very early so they are already getting quite big - they will look like sheep when we return

Bernie thinks his haircut is pretty cool

There is someone who is really going to miss Ken when we are away

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