Saw glow worms in the botanical gardens. It had been pouring all day and it was getting cold. People started to cancel...soon it was only Katy and I left. We said fuck it and wrapped ourselves up and headed out. It waited to rain again until we got to the gate where there was a convenient waiting shelter.
Slowly people arrived, mostly appearing out of parked cars. Our group consisted of about ten children with parents, one teenage couple and Katy and I. We followed the tour guide as he described that the glow worms were actually larvae of a fly and how their glittering lured in unsuspecting insects to be eaten. On request (mostly of me and Katy) we continued the tour around a creek where the twinkling of the lights gave the night time a magical feel…you could almost believe that fairies houses were located on the bank.
Went out with Katy and Mikenna to the seal colony at Red Rocks.
The beginning….
I woke up early to head to the train to Featherson. Had a slight shimmy telling me that I needed to readjust my packs, not having time I walked the rest of the way to the station.
Trains! Hehehe. It’s amazing how they make me smile. The train had a luggage compartment but no restraints for bikes (so Northstars confusing/time consuming straps weren’t looking so bad). It was a beautiful clear day as I admired the scenery and the train infrastructure.
Arriving in Featherston my packs were adjusted and my bike tour started, though I wouldn’t feel like it officially started until I headed toward Masterton. It was a 18 km ride to Martinborough, gentle rolling hills.
After heading down the wrong driveway I made it to the Brodie Estte where I would be wwoofing for the first time. My job would be to help with clearing vines after the pruning. Placing my gear in my own room (with private bathroom) I went down to begin my training.
I had only been on one vineyard before and really had no idea about caring for vines. Soon I was beginning to understand the level of effort that they require.
First, you have to decide if you want the vines to be best this year or if you would like to improve next years (this was done by James). Then, you prune all of the other vines leaving four or five to be tied down. This is where I came in. I would bring up the wires (so when the buds came out they weren’t hit off) and follow up by clearing all of the pruned vines.
Leaving for Masterton it was a foggy morning with the sun promising to come out shortly. I said goodbye to Ann and James and started off. The suggested road started with rolling hills and had little traffic. The excitement of beginning my adventure was immense.
This trip was meant to push me. I knew that my legs would become stronger but the first few days would be hard as they adjusted to the kilometres. Overall the first day was successful with minor complication. I made it to Masterton where I needed to determine if I could handle another 40 km to Ekethuna. I decided that I had plenty of time and I should still be able to stop at Mt Bruce for a visit.
From Masterton the road is a gradual uphill for the next 25km with a steeper incline just prior to the highest point. Riding by yourself gives a person plenty of time to think. It’s not the daydream thinking that you get when driving as you need to be aware of the road ahead and behind. Also, for me I got to have a long and sometimes bitter conversation with my negative voice (you know the one that says you can’t do something). Like when I needed to get off and walk up a portion of the hill (which ended up being the last .2 km of the climb). Knowing that the worse was over and I had 5 km to warm food and time off the bike was an amazing feeling.
After wandering through
I’ve never been so happy to see a campsite in my life! And it had a shower and kitchen…which I could’ve kissed, germs be damned. It rained through the night but stopped by morning.
Off I went to Dannervirke, after one wrong turn.
I was walking up to the botanical gardens and as I passed a school I heard violins playing. Stopping to listen a bird decided to join me and also enjoy…jumping from branch to branch to ensure the best listening point.
Another beautiful day and my arm is not very swollen so I’m off for a walk. I wander towards Otari Wilton Bush. It’s sunny and perfect weather to be outside. I find a walking path that goes through a cemetery, where the trees look as if they are loosing their skin. A bird jumps out at me and I jump followed by a giggling fit.
Continuing on the path I meander with the creek and walk all by myself surrounded by nature. On my entire 3.5 hour walk I will only see a handful of people.
