So this has been the longest and most exhausting day so far! It was this morning I saw the seal or was it a sea lion ?! Anyway Dutch family took me to the road so I could avoid the unsealed section down to the camp - was really steep!!
Then started to make my way south. First part felt much faster than way up getting to the 15km from cape quite quickly but the hot weather and constant hills wore me out and had to walk with bike up some of the sections as gears not low enough to manage the load - might have to get that sorted!
Made it back to Te Kao - no tourist buses this time but passed a few on the roads. Meant to say most drivers cheered me on or gave me a wave which was cool! At Te Kao I had an ice cream and pie - quick lunch and should get me going with the steak!!
Scenery gorgeous and I started making up adverts for the many run down places up there that seemed to have been abandoned .... Landscape quite barren - thought there'd be more trees but most of the land is sand so that explained that one!
Te Kao to Pukenui felt easier as the hills lessened and here I stopped off for fruit and a yoghurt- going off stodgy now and craving fruit and veggies. Oh here is the place to buy advocadoes - really cheap!!
Pukenui to 14 km north Kaitaia was the hardest stretch as I was nearing the 100km mark for that day. Was so relieved to see the campsite sign 90 mile beach campsite. Another 5km to cycle to campsite - first hot shower in three days, washing done and dinner eaten and finally get connected.
Campsite ok but not a patch on the DOC ones I had stayed in. Thought this would be on the beach - off to explore now before breakfast and then 20km cycle to Kaitaia for first gig. Feel a little sick today - must drink more water - 3 litres a day on cycle not enough!!
Oh and interesting sites on the way - emu, turkeys, king fishers, seal, dead possums on the road, cemetery with AB support - new meaning to supporting team!
That's me over and out till hopefully tomorrow or next signal.





Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteWe wish you all the best on your way to Bluff. It's easy for us in our motorhome. But we support you and for sure we'll meet again the coming days.
Take care and have fun (at least try)
Henk, Micky, Tamar and Maura (The Dutch family)