[It was] another long haul today. At some point I decided to get to Mt. Cook in three days. And it was HOT today. I have consumed so much liquid it's incredible.

The ride today took me by two beautiful lakes, each with its own hydroelectric dam (the turbines are English in origin). Lots of campsites, picnic areas and boat launches. I passed this spot where a tour bus had stopped, it was a huge overhanging rock wall but I didn't stop so don't know what caused it. Every place that I rode through was closed. That's Sunday in NZ I guess.

There was only one real climb but my knee is still sore (I'm pushing too hard and should rest) so it didn't seem fast today. I still averaged 20 kph.

Tomorrow I will get to Mt. Cook. You are supposed to be able to see it for most of the ride [as you approach the mountain]. I'm psyched.

I just took a walk around the outskirts of the campsite (and forgot the camera) and saw fields and fields of blue and purple flowers. I saw them all day today. It looked like someone had taken a paintbrush and made some broad strokes in the hills. I ALSO saw the sun reflecting off of some snow capped peaks way in the distance...

Training Diary Comments: Hot, slight tailwind. 6:10. Knee was sore again for [the] last 40 km.