Everything started out dandy today - I had a tailwind and the sun was in a blue sky by 8 AM; but no sooner was I 30 km into my ride when it (the road) turned and I was fighting a gale. The headwind lasted the last 40 km. Although the going was slow, the view was beautiful. I could see the glaciers all the way from the turn-off.

[As I'm writing this journal entry] there is an Asian party behind me playing Monopoly and they can hardly pronounce the words.

Nothing really worth seeing on the way out here except for the mountain itself.

Once I got there I saw a great slide show about the early attempts to climb Mt. Cook. I learned that Cook never actually saw the mountain named after him.

The youth hostel here is $15! What a rip. Also it's threatening to dump! I'd like to go on a hike tomorrow but if it rains - I can't walk OR ride.

It's really spacious in the hostel but also very hot. I'm craving meat or fish or something. I'm only eating baked goods, fruit and grains.

Training Diary Comments: Warm & windy. 5:50. Left knee was much better today. I barely felt it.

approaching Mt. Cook	getting closer
Martin