Ok – it’s one thing to hear 70s and 80s tunes occasionally….but here – everywhere you go, every bus, store, anywhere – its classic easy listening or rock hits. I swear they pipe it into everything which explains why everyone is so laid back. And it’s great to hear and drive along to. I have not heard one recent song, no country, and not much else. A lot of Christian radio stations too. My pandora works but the service is so spotty driving, not worth it going in and out.
So I started to listen to my audio books – and of course I start with Bruce’s autobiography, which New York Susan said I had to listen to. So I am – it’s his voice and it really does add that extra touch. It got me thru a day of driving in the rain for sure.
Speaking of driving….yes, NZ roads are a treat. Most of you know that I enjoy driving. Most of you know I lived/drove in Colorado for a few years on mountain roads. I believe all of that plus Pittsburgh curvey roads have trained me specifically for this trip.
If they could add a hairpin turn, why not 3 back to back for 15 kilometers, and lets have semi’s and tour buses come straight at ya – yes, you have to pay attention all the time. Five hours is about max – and that is with lots of breaks in between.
I’d say the upper portion of the South Island was the most brutal as there was also a ton of road construction and traffic due to a road closure caused by wildfires. The west coast was equally all that – and add the rain all day long. So I know I missed some amazing mountains & views along that route, everything was clouded in. Still got amazing pictures. 
PJSBackPack 