Northland tour

Spent a little over two weeks touring in Northlandafter over a month break on the bike. I had the best times and the worst times on this tour. Glad I made the effort to see the far north. This was also the first part of my touring where I had just my lycra shorts on due to the heat...I did not approve but was completely melting. I wish they put the colored part on the outside as well so I can look like the baboon that I feel like.

17 March - Auckland to Helensville (via train to Waitekere)

Looking at the weather I realized that I needed to head out of Auckland early as it was suppose to rain all weekend and I knew my motivation to leave would be nonexistent. The start of tour was bumpy as I didn't fill ANY of my water bottles prior to getting on the train out of the city. Of course I wouldn't know that a suburban end of the line station would be small with limited resources (oh wait I worked on rail lines obviously been away too long).

Anyway spent the first 12 km without water on a hilly section of road. Luckily the town that was on my map was actually a map and not a cluster of houses. So I stopped and had an ice cream and filled my water bottles prior to the next 30 km.

I still had Surly Coffee Bender so I had one to celebrate St. Paddy's day and then went to bed in my concentration camp bunk (three tall and if there was anyone sleeping in the bunk next to me we would have played footsie).

18 March 2011 - Helensville to Wellsford - 56 km

This day was meant to be an epic one. Mostly because after leaving Helensville the only budget accommodation wasn't for another 120 km. Well as it went I only made it 60 km. The first 30 km were hilly but I was still on schedule doing it in just over 2 hours.

Then something clicked to wrong. I would say I bonked but I could still get on my bike and pedal (albeit not for long stretches at a time). Needless to say it took me 5 hours to complete the last 30 km in which I cried, ate, bribed, babied, yelled, encouraged and a million other emotions and states to keep me going. It was one of the most unpleasant experiences I've been through.

When I got to Wellsford I checked myself into a motel (even though my budget told me to freedom camp) where I watched tv and contemplated keeping going on this tour. After reasoning with myself that the next day I would do 60 km and then could do as little as 20 km for the next three days I decided to continue.

19 March - Wellsford to Matakohe - 55 km

This day was pretty much the complete opposite of yesterday. It was hilly and hot but I took my time and had a pleasant ride. On one of my breaks the owner of the mailbox that I had leaned Stella on came and invited me in for tea. It turns out that it was one of three sisters (one who's name was Stella) that are retired and now live together in the country tending there garden in hopes of being self sufficient. After tea they gave me apples and grapes out of their garden.

Then I was stopped on a hill be a man putting firewood into his trailer. He asked where I was going and when I said Cape Reinga he exclaimed that he had told his son that.

Continuing on I went to the Kauri Musuem which was only 400 meters from my campground. Once I got back I had my second dinner for the night and set up camp. Then I was still hungry so I made a "after dinner snack". When in the kitchen an Australian couple and I began talking and it turned out that they were leaving the country the next day so they made me a care package with items they couldn't take back with them. It was super cute and was a perfect end to a great day where I felt like I was pampered all day.

20 March 2011 - Matakohe to Kaihu - 90 km

Met a German/British couple in Dargaville and ended up riding the rest of the day with them. It was odd getting used to riding with someone after I had ridden by myself for so long. They stayed at a campsite and I continued up a hill to a backpackers.

21 March 2011 - Kaihu to Kohu Kohu - 80 km

This was a hilly day as well but long and gradual. These are the kind I've become quite good at. I also rode through the Waipoua forest which was beautiful. As soon as I started into the forest the word 'fresh' was stuck in my head. I love when a feeling of a place is just as, if not more, enchanting than the look. The Waipoua forest has Kauri trees that are thousands of years old and loom over you in a way that reminds you how insignificant you are.

After the forest I met up with the German/British couple (Anna and Liam) and we rode the rest of the way together. It was sprinkling most of the day but as we got into Kohu Kohu off of the ferry it began to steadily rain. I spent the night at a warmshowers host who were planning a year off in Europe. It was a lovely night.

22 March 2011 - Kohu Kohu to Ahipara - 64 km

This was a day of gentle rolling hills. With the help of Wichard (warmshowers host) I cut off 5 km of hills. Arriving in Ahipara the beach was beautiful. This is the beginning of 90 mile beach which during low tide can be driven on all the way to Cape Reinga. I had a lovely time sitting on the beach watching a kite skater.

23 March 2011 - Ahipara to Cape Reinga via bus

As I got closer to Ahipara I had decided due to the weather I wouldn't cycle all the way to Cape Reinga (115 km one way). After taking the bus trip I was quite happy with my decision! The road was hilly and windy with only logging trucks and buses driving it. Not to mention that most of the drive up looked very similar.

We stopped at Cape Reinga and the weather was perfectly calm and cloudy. Both of these were rare but I got them both. You are suppose to be able to see where the Tasmen and Pacific meet in a clash but all we saw was a thin line with slightly different colors on either side. It was still a beautiful spot and can see why the Maori see it as a spiritual place.

After lunch we headed down the 'quicksand stream' and got to boogie board down big sand dunes. Then we continued to drive down 90 mile beach and back to Ahipara

24 March 2011 - Ahipara to Mangonui - 54 km

Normally on a day like today I would have just got back into my tent and stayed where I was but as the weather was changing I didn't want to be stuck in Ahipara for 3 more days. So I headed out against a strong headwind for the full day.

Mangonui is know to have one of the best fish and chip shops in the country so I had to stop and see for myself. They were the best I have had. Of course as I was tired from headwind and now full I didn't think I could make it the 20 km to the hostel I had aimed for. As it was I got to experience the loveliness that is a Pub accommodation. Lets just leave it at there was no lock on the bathroom...fun times.

25 March 2011 - Mangonui to Kahoe - 20 km

The rain that I was hoping to not have to ride in came with a vengeance today. I had determined that I would ride to the hostel I had tried to make it to last night and would stay there if they had space otherwise continue to Kerikeri. Luckily they did have a space and I was once again reunited with Anna and Liam.

26 March 2011 - Kahoe

It was supposed to rain so I didn't ride today. Of course it didn't end up raining but I spent the day tagging along with a British couple to Taupo bay.

27 March 2011 - Kahoe to Pahia - 67 km

Decent ride it rain a little but was so humid I had to take off my rain gear as I was steaming myself to death.

Beautiful to get into Pahia. It's a lovely town even though it is such a tourist destination.

28 and 29th March 2011 - Pahia

Spent a couple of days in the Bay of Islands. Took the ferry over to Russell where I wandered around and enjoyed the quaint town. Didn't get up to much but that is kinda the point of this picturesque locale.

30 March 2011 - Pahia to Whangerei - 68 km

A beautiful day for a ride and mostly a pretty view. Stayed at another warmshowers host. They were a lovely couple planning their first bicycle tour. Both of them were visually impaired to the point where they needed to ride on a tandem with a seeing person. It had never occurred to me that this would be a need and hope in the future to help someone continue with or begin a new love in cycling.

31 March 2011 - Whangerei to Uretiti Beach - 38 km

What a lovely day today was. The weather was absolutely wonderful and the shortish ride allowed me plenty of time to lounge on the beach. I went for a swim, ate fejioas, read a book, and generally enjoyed a lovely day.

To make things even better the camp manager lent me a beach mat and chair to use while I was at the campground. It was great to be able to sit in a chair! The small things that you take for granted when you can't carry them with you.

1 April 2011 - Uretiti Beach to Waipu - 10 km

Spent the morning at the beach and then made my way to Waipu. The warmshowers host here were a lovely family and the daughter, mother and I went to the beach in the afternoon for another swim.

2 April 2011 - Waipu to Wellsford - 55 km then bus to Auckland

This day was a magical way to end the tour. Felt like I was in paradise as I biked in the sun past beautiful and mostly empty beaches. The trees growing right up to the beach which allowed for some shade while enjoying the water.

Whirlwind month

Feburary was a crazy busy month had my parents come out for a visit. The beginning of March didn't see a slow down as I went for a road trip with Mikenna.

Had an epic 17 days of traveling with the parents. Got back into Wellington on 10 Feb and the parents flew in on 11 Feb. I dropped Stella off with Gary on my way to the airport. Then headed up to Hawkes bay to see Jill and Bas.

James and Ann on quick stop on way north

Margot, Me, Bryan, Bas and Jill after dinner

In 17 days I ended up retracing a good portion of my last 3 months of touring. It was an interesting trip as this was the first time I had traveled with my parents for more than four days since I was a teenager. It was a fun change to really get to appreciate my parents for themselves. Another great thing was I cooked for them for probably the second time in my life.

I played the part of tour guide and didn't realize how excited I was to show them my favorite places until I started driving. Yes, I was driving. Anyone that knows my father knows that he ALWAYS drives. Mostly because if you have ever had him as a passenger you don't want to repeat the experience. He is a nervous rider at best. Early on we had an agreement that I would drive considering left side driving is a little disconcerting.

This went much better than I expected it to. We would joke about how he had called his "friends" when ever construction work was around (causing us to slow to a snail pace). Probably the best statement from him though was when a truck was in front of us and he got more nervous. When I told him I thought he would be happy since I would have to slow down he replied "Truck go boom" only then did I realize it was a gas tanker. In return he gave me crap about not being patient as the first time I went on a rant we happened to be passing Patience Bay Road...needless to say I needed to "travel" this road often.

As always me and my dad made my mother wonder why she ever travels with us...particularly when we would be on a walking track and need to get on our imaginary horse to finish a climb. At one point we did almost buy coconuts so we could do a full impression of Monty Python but I think my mom would have refused to be seen with us. Hehehehehe

And now for the fun photos:

Dad and I thinking the gondola is going to crash in Queenstown

Dad and I at Milford Sound

Mom and I along Milford Sound Road

Anyway I think they had a wonderful time and they also got to meet Jill and Bas which they had looked forward to.

Falling behind

Sometimes I realize how far behind on documenting my trip I am and feel like I'm back at work ;). Hope to do a lot of writing when I'm in Christchurch at the end of this week for a well deserved relaxation session.

Christchurch to Queenstown

7 December 2010 - Christchurch to Rakaia Gorge - 88 km at 17.4 km/hr

Spent all but the last 5 km in a slow steady climb. Since this was the beginning of me touring again it was a demoralizing day. Seeing the computer almost always below 18 km/hr makes a person seem very unfit.

Most of the ride was green or brown fields. Than out of nowhere a whole field of purple...absolutely beautiful, happy purple. These tiny moments that you don't even notice in the car is why cycling is awesome. It's all of these little things that group into one amazing trip.

Random purple field

I set up camp behind a building as I was confused by the two signs, one stating that there was no camping and the other that said camping was allowed. The next day as I bike over the bridge (300 m from my campsite) I come across the real campsite...whoopsie...but truthfully my legs were not able to go up the giant hill on the other side of the river so I only feel slightly bad.

8 December 2010 - Rakaia Gorge to Geraldine - 84 km at 18.6 km/hr

This trip was mostly uneventful with a stop at a cafe and just prior to take a picture of the Moa statute.Moa statutes

Though as I stopped at the grocery store it was 'Santa days' and was swarming with people dressed in costumes and giving away free samples. A little much for a tired cyclist who just wanted to buy some food to prepare.

Than meet a couple from Quebec who I would end up following by a day for the whole way to Queenstown. Also, a fellow from Australia who travelled much in the same way as I did. Stopping at the top of hills, to take pictures, walking up hills if necessary and hitching a ride through boring sections. We both thought it was great to meet a fellow tourist who wasn't 'hardcore' but was just cycling to prove to ourselves we could do it and have fun. Unfortunately he was heading the opposite way as me so we didn't cycle together.

9 December 2010 - Geraldine to Fairlie - 46 km at 16.9 km/hr

Looking at the elevation this day looked relatively easy. I was wrong! Luckily when I ran into the Quebec couple next they also thought it was way harder than expected. Though truthfully the hardest days seem to be the flatter days because I don't have the mindset if something doesn't go as planned.

Fairlie is a cute little town and I'm glad that I stopped especially since the campsite had free internet!

10 December 2010 - Fairlie to Lake Tekapo - 44 km at 16.4 km/hr

This was a beautiful day of riding. Sunny and as soon as you get to see the mountains it was a pleasant ride.

First view of the mountains on way to Lake Tekapo

Stella taking a break at top of Burkes Pass

After Burkes Pass there were lupins on either side of the road which contrasted from the brown of the tuscosk and the snowcapped mountains looming in the back. It was amazing to have the hair blowing through my hair with a light honey floral scent in the air. Just beautiful...and I didn't take a photo cause I wanted to keep it all to myself!

11 December 2010 Lake Tekapo to Glentanner - 80 km at 15.1 km/hr

There is a canal road from Lake Tekapo to almost Pukaki. This is 46 km of flat roadway following a stunningly blue canal and no traffic as it is a private road.

Ignoring all of my transportation engineering experience when the first section of roadway (14 km) had a "road closed ahead" sign I paid it no heed and continued forward. Well sure enough about 10 km into there was a barrier closing the road. WOW this was unexpected...hmm...maybe they actually mean what the sign says. While I started to turn around and then I saw cars on the highway maybe 2 or 3 km away....well I'm not saying I went around the barrier but I had a pleasant ride.

Canal Road closed 10 km in...hmm guess I'll turn around

After crossing the highway I had the pleasure of cycling with a strong northwestern crosswind. I was very glad to be on a less traveled road as I was in the middle of the lane in order to allow for navigation when gusts occurred. The canal road was a beautiful ride allowing me to ride next to Lake Pukaki for another 20 km than if I'd taken the highway. Plus it passes a salmon farm...where I bought 250 grams of smoked salmon which was promptly devoured.

Turning onto the road to Mt Cook I had 30 km to go to Glentanner. Luckily the first 15 km were angled so that I didn't have the northwestern as a full headwind. Unfortunatly the next 15 km I had a strong headwind with the last 5 km being the worse. I was biking at 7 km/hr on a mostly flat piece of road. Getting to the campsite was much appreciated! Plus I was rewarded with the clouds that had been around Mt. Cook all day retreating long enough for me to get a picture.

Mt. Cook viewed from Glentanner

12 December 2010 - Glentanner to Mt Cook - 44 km at 20.2 km/hr (16.4 km/hr first 22 km no gear)

Being 22 km from the base of Mt. Cook I had to go the rest of the way to the base of the mountain. So dispite the weather being really cloudy and riding fullon into a northwestern wind I set out to the base. Most of the way there I was thinking "why are you cycling when you can't see anything"...and the rest of the time "if the wind changes on the way back I'm so going to be pissed".

As I got closer to the moutains and they loom over you I knew even with the limited view of Mt. Cook that it was worth the trip out there. Plus I couldn't stand it if I'd been that close and not made the effort.

Stella taking a rest at Mt Cook village

13 December - Glentanner to Omarama - 73 km at 20.8 km/hr

One more day of racing the rain. Had the last 15 minutes in a light rain but nothing too bad. Nice day of riding. Everyday is better on a bike.

14 December - Omarama to Wanaka - 114 km at 17.4 km/hr

This ride was quite long. I was told by the Aussie that the hostel had been closed in Tarras due to the owner being a peeping tom so I had to extend the length by 25 km. From Omarama over Lindis Pass I had a nice tailwind.

Looking south up Lindis Pass

Getting into Tarras I had bribed myself with a real lunch and a coffee. Once I left Tarras I had 2 km prior to turning into a vicious headwind. Also, I didn't have the pleasure of having the elevation on this side route and didn't know it continued to slowly ascend most of the way to Wanaka.

I really need this heart in Tarras

Salad? I don't even know the last one I had

The last 10 km into Wanaka were quite evil! To begin you dip down to a one-lane truss bridge and than you climb out of the river valley only to have to go up another big hill. After these hills you would think that it's all downhill from there...but no a minor ascent before what seems like a completely flat never ending road. Once in Wanaka the lake is beautiful and well worth the effort and a few days stay.

The Wanaka cinema is known as a "must do" event when staying here. I would completely agree as it is not just watching a film but an experience. First, when you arrive it appears that you are just in a cafe until you notice the doors to the theater. The theater itself has couches and lounge chairs to sit in while watching the movie. The sincher though is the warm cookies that are available for purchase at intermission! Yes, it is great. You can also order food from the cafe and they will bring it in for you to snack on while watching.

It was also great because it just so happened that I got to watch a locals (Tim Pierce) work which just made the whole experience even more homey.

I also took time during my visit for a skydive which was amazing!

Wanaka at dusk

Me getting dressed for my skydive - 12,000 m

19 December - Wanaka to Arrowtown- 56 km at 15.3 km/hr

Decided last minute to go over the Crown Range and up to 1080 meters instead of the easy route. The words "highest point on a highway" forced my hand. I could not be this close and not go over. From Wanaka the ride is actually quite pleasant with only the last couple of km to the top being steep. Of course there was also the hill out of Wanaka and Cardrona which both weren't that long but steep and annoying!

Stopped at the Cardrona Hotel for a coffee and muffin. It is adorable plus I had the added bonus of seeing a photo shoot in the garden out back. I've never got to hear the instructions that the models receive in real life until this point. Let me tell you it is quite funny.

Cardrona Hotel

Arriving at the top of the range the clouds that had been chasing me all morning caught up and it started to rain. Nothing like going on a steep downhill in the rain to perk up all your senses. Luckily it wasn't a hard rain and it moved quite quickly. Allowing me to soon see the valley below.

Clouds clearing as coming down the Crown Range

Finished the day at the Arrowtown Brewery. Not too shabby a day!

20 December - Arrowtown to Queenstown- 26 km at 13.4 km/hr

Took Malaghans Road from Arrowtown into Queenstown. It was a great ride with a beautiful view of mountains.

The best section was going over the Shotover river. As I'm heading down a hill on a potholed patch of road (one of the few I've run into) I make it onto the bridge and finally don't have to concentrate on riding. Looking to the left is an amazing gorge with a beautiful river running through it. It's one of the moments that I know cycling is the way to see this country.

In Queenstown I hire a mountain bike and head out to Seven Mile Park. Still not a mountain biker but it's fun! More pratice necessary.

Rough year

This year was a rough year...yes I know I was on an extended vacation for half the year but that time goes by so fast and you can't run from the things that happened prior.

Sometimes I need to make things real, make things appear in black and white and not blur them into gray...not make them fade into the sunset. I want them to be bold to stand out and grab hold of me and shake, shake violently and forcefully. To have it scream at the top of it's lungs....YOU CAN NOT IGNORE ME....I want to ignore it...but it will remain until I look it in the eyes.

My cousin was sick...had been sick. When I was informed of this "cancer" I soon found myself purchasing a ticket to Spain to visit a friend. It was 2005 I was just out of college in a new job and I was taking 2 weeks off to galavant with a friend because you never know what life will bring.

Up until this point I had a plan, a very strict plan that I was to follow. Two years in Minnesota, move to the west coast, get PE, get MBA, buy house, work, work, work, retire, have fun. It's silly looking back at it. But then there was CANCER...this evil word this thing that came out of nowhere that took the joy of my cousins first born and mingled it with fear.

My cousin is one year younger than me, and we are very much the same. Stubborn, Coarse, Loving (though most never see this), and more Stubborn. We fought like cats and dogs growing up, fiercely. We didn't know how to deal with someone else who wouldn't back down...neither of us would back down...hair pulled out, teeth marks, nail marks, name calling....girls fight dirty and we did.

Looking at her daughter I see a little Sam, a little girl who will hold her ground who infuriatingly will not change her mind once she has made it up. I laugh, I laugh to think about how my aunt and mom dealt with the two of us...how much of a pain we had to be...as proven by Haylee....but how fun it is to be kept on your toes by someone this little. How you want to show her how to loosen up...to not take everything so seriously...even the hard things in life are worth living...it just takes longer to see why.

Going out and taking care of Sam and the kids when she was going through chemo she told me "I just want to be average. I'm sick of being unique. " Some people aren't meant to be average. It would ruin who they were to only be average, no matter how much we want it to be so.

I had planned my trip to New Zealand for a long time but the whole reason I started to travel was because of Sam. I looked at how easy it was to not have your health and I wanted to do these things while I could. I wanted to not have any regrets. If I was meant to die I'd do it while doing something I love.

She died. Ringing phone....knowing I don't want to answer....answer...crying. Sending Mom to the funeral as the delegate...as Nate, Dad and I ignore...try to enjoy each others company...glad for each others presence....not ready...not ready at all...still not ready

I do not pity Sam for being sick and dieing young. She had a good life that she chose. She would have chosen to live longer but some choses aren't yours to make. I know if I pitied her it would irritate the crap out of her. I miss you Sam.

The Longest Pub Crawl...also known as Queen Charlotte Track

71 km of walking in four days

Day 1 - water taxi and 15 km

Mikenna and I took a water taxi to Ship Cove. On the way we passed a pod of dolphins. It was great to see them from far away and then to our delight they came right up to the boat allowing us to get some great pictures and see them jump out of the water.

bottle nosed dolphins

Once we arrived at Ship Cove we had 15 km to the first campsite (Miners Camp). We left our packs with the water taxi to deliver to our campsite, so no extra weight to carry. Since it was sunny and I hadn't seen Mikenna in over a month the majority of the walk went quite fast.

one of the amazing views from the track

About 1 km from the campsite was a resort which the captain unnecessarily mentioned had a bar attached. Since it was prior to when our bags would arrive at the campsite we decided to look at the beer selection. While waiting to order I had an epihany...it was perfect weather for a nice gin and tonic. Conferring with Mikenna she agreed that this would be quite refreshing. Once we were fully refreshed we continued on our way to the campsite.

Day 2 - 9 km


Today would be the easy day of the tramp with a mere 9 km. Due to the need for our packs to be at the wharf by 9 am we reached our destination by noon. Again devilishly there was a resort near the camping site and since it was on the waterfront with comfy chairs we again endulged in a gin and tonic. It was a pleasent day enjoying the sun and leisure as tomorrow would be a long day.

Mikenna ensuring we close the gate

Day 3 - 25 km

Started the day with a couple of steep uphills. We were going strong through lunch. Seeing the 21 km sign was great; not only because we had walked 51 km but that we had half a km left for the day.

Since it was Thanksgiving we decided to switch it up and have a vodka cranberry as our after tramp drink. This was a well deserved drink and both of us almost fell asleep prior to finishing it.

When we set up the tent we were quite tired after the walk and the forecast did not have rain so we lightly attached the fly. In the "middle of the night" (22:30) Mikenna woke up to the stars above her as she realized the fly was three-quarters of the way off. She scrambled to reattach the fly as I searched for my light and finally gave up and blindly helped stake down the fly. Note to self....wind is also a reason to use your fly.


Day 4 - 21 km

Rough day. I knew it would be a tough day and tried to steel myself to that. My feet and legs are not used to walking long distances and they could feel the strain. Plus being used to going by bike leaves a person feel like you walk forever while not getting anywhere.

The last 7 km were really trying as I needed to sit down and rest my sore feet and have a snack but all of the benches were full. I tried to make it to the campsite 3 km out but could not and to Mikenna's surprise sat down in the middle of the track. The best part was that as soon as I sat down Mikenna said that she could see the campsite...and indeed you could. So I got up after a snack and we continued to a longer break near the beach of the campground.

Our timing was perfect for this day as we got to the end point and had enough time to take off our shoes when the water taxi with our packs arrived. We grabbed our packs and walked to where my bike was stored. This added about a half a km and I was definetly happy to get to there house. It was worth the walk as we got a shower, cup of tea, and a bed waiting for us.

While it was quite trying for me I think I will still be doing more tramping in the future....especially if I can hire a pack. Plus as Mikenna predicted as time elapses you forget about the uncomfortableness and just remember the beauty and fun.

the first deadline of my vacation

Mikenna and I set a date for walking the Queen Charlotte Track and I had to make it up to Picton by November 22nd.

16 November 2010 - Christchurch to Greta Valley - 80 km, avg 19.6 km/hr

Started on my way to Picton today. It was a cool morning which turned into a hot day with the road long, straight and no shade. I stopped in Amberley at the Brew Moon Cafe for lunch. As you may suspect this is a brewery. I had the beer sampler and an amazing scallop dish.

Between Amberley and Greta Valley

Sampler - Pale Ale, Brown Ale, IPA, and Stout

Fancy! Scallop with pineapple salsa

After lunch the wind picked up. Since it was a side wind it didn't help me but it kept the temperature to a reasonable level. For my afternoon break I stopped in the only shade I had seen in the last 20 km and had a nice rest. As I get back on my bike I find out I have a flat. With only 10 km left I really didn't want to change it on the side of the road so crossed my figures and hoped that I could limp it to Greta Valley. Thankfully it was a slow leak and could change the tire in the convenience of the campground lounge. Also, since it was so windy the owners allowed me to rent the caravan for the same price of a tent. Score.

I end up changing out my rear tire even though don't think it is ruined but I don't want to change a tube again for a while (hopefully).

17 November 2010 - Greta Valley to Hawkswood - 62 km, 17.7 km/hr

No atms, 60 km, 1 hour weeding, crappy kitchen, possum, rooster, rain, wake start, left journal
In Greta Valley I realized that I left my toothbrush in Christchurch so would need to get another one and stop at the ATM. Well I get into Cheviot and remember to get the toothbrush and ask about the ATM...which ended up being broken. I had only change left in my bag...but figured the campsite would take credit cards or do internet banking or something.

With that I stopped at a cafe. It's fun to see the difference in guy cyclists versus women cyclists. As myself and another cyclist (though driving) both were stopped at this cute cafe with good food, coffee and a little art gallery. I wouldn't find my guy friends in this delightful little place (or not without some prodding).

It's a hot day and by kilometer 55 I'm ready to be off of my bike and enjoying relaxing. When I finally find the correct turnoff (thought it was 2 km prior to where it was well signed) I get in and talk to the lady about a tent site. It turns out it is a women who is wwoofing and that the owner is out but available by phone. I tell her I have 8 dollars in cash or can use credit card or other banking items.

She calls the owner who responds that I can go back the way I came 8 kms (16 km return) and they "might" have an ATM. If I wasn't so tired I thought about just heading out to the next campsite or Kaikoura (20 or 44 km more) but the heat had zapped me. Right before I get to my breaking point she does mention that I could work in exchange (maybe should have started with that?). So I paid my $8 and had to work 1 hour at weeding. Weeding after 60 km is not the most enjoyable task....lesson learned ALWAYS have a secret stash of cash.

Now if this was the end of the story it would have been annoying but deserved. Unfortunately I didn't realize that the facilities I had seen earlier were not for camping patrons but for the cabins. So after I had weeded I was shown into the filthy kitchen with no working fridge and the toilet/shower where you needed heman strength to close the door.

To continue on this delightful experience they had a massive possum problem so I was awoken at 2 am to their screeching (it's quite horrid) which went on for an hour. Luckily at 4 am the roosters started crowing so I wouldn't sleep in!

Also, I realized later that night that I had left my notebook in the game room and didn't have a chance to send a note until after Queen Charlotte which she responded snidily that 12 days had past and it could be anywhere (though she did "look" for it). So I would not recommend the Staging Post near Hawkwood...continue to the campsite by the river where you may actually get sleep.

18 November 2010 Hawkswood to Kaikoura

Hawkswood to Kaikoura was a great ride. The morning was sunny as I went through hills and the Hunderlees. As I moved towards the hills I felt a little like saws as the impending doom of climbing them was coming closer and closer. The hills were not as bad as expected though fresh chip seal is even less fun when going downhill. On one of the breaks I started my Micheal Jackson impression as I didn't put on my gloves and one had magically stuck to my gear.

As I reached the coast I came down into thick fog for 20 km. I rode along the coast with an erry feeling until the last hill into Kaikoura. As I reached the top and started the descent into Kaikoura I came into a sunny day with the mountains and sea beautifully framed. It was a great way to end a day and I was glad to spend a rest day in such beauty.

19 November 2010 Kaikoura

I did very little today as my legs were still recovering. I did manage to get rid of the mind numbing squeal from my back pulley. The "bike mechanic" did not touch my bike but allowed me to use the tools and stand! It was great...especially since he had only been a bike mechanic for three months and needless to say Stella was not going to be left in his care. Which he was fine with because he was the only one working the full sporting goods store.

Other than that I relaxed in the hostels spa (hot tub) while enjoying the view of the mountains.

20 November 2010 Kaikoura to Pedaller's Rest

Leaving Kaikoura after a day of rest was nice. It was partly cloudy in the morning but a nice temperture. I resisted the temptation to stop and buy a crayfish (lobster) from the roadside stands. I did stop at the seal colony...of course right as I got there the Kiwi Experience (imagine a bus load of19 year olds on a booze cruise) arrived 2 minutes later..I shortened my viewing and continued.

Nearing my reststop for the night the rain was chasing me. I got into the cabin/hostel shortly before it started pouring on the tin roof. There really is very few things that sound as plesant as rain on a tin roof. I was the only cyclist staying (Pedaller's Rest) and enjoyed a quite night with a radio and couch.

As I did my exercises with a giant rubber band it slipped off of the door handle and preceeded to hit me straight in the face!! And there were no witnesses of my sillyness...so I texted Mikenna who was having her going away party in Wellington...hence people got to enjoy my talent.

21 November 2010 - Pedaller's Rest to Blenheim - 58 km, 18.1 km/hr

The day started with a misty drizzle. As I was trying to be nice to the car that was behind me on the gravel road from Pedaller's Rest I managed to pedal strike my shin to the point of tears! Not a good way to start a day or to do right before a long hike.

There were a few hills to get through. As I stopped in Seddon a nice older couple from Christchurch offered me a cup of tea. It was a sweet gesture but I was so warm I declined.

A group of the Wellington crowd was in Blenheim working on vineyards so I got to meet up with them. It was fun to see everyone and they got to witness my scaredy-cat ways when I watch scary movies!! I did warn them though.

22 November 2010 - Blenheim to Picton - 28 km, 20.2 km/hr

This was a short day but it seemed long as it was straight and mostly flat...plus I was ready to be in Picton and see Mikenna!

I had arranged with a couple from Warmshowers to pick up and store my bike at the end of the Queen Charlotte track. They were even kind enough to come and pick the bike up from Picton which was great for me.

Once Stella was taken care of I had a short wait until Mikenna got into the city. It was great to see her again and we caught up on what had been going on before spending the rest of the afternoon getting ready for the track the next day.