BelindaRodriguez

A fresh morning, clear blue sky, and sleep repaired muscles. Time for a quick dip in the ocean, and then back to the pain train. Benjamin "bailer" wanted to find a truck going up so we could have them drop us at the top. I wasn't hearing any of that cheater talk. Anyway, nothing like wearing yourself out in the first 20 minutes of a 65 km ride. The Matauri Bay hill is nasty, but the views from the top are stunning. As we rode out to highway 10 we left the quiet country roads behind us again. It was back to the irritating noise of the main road, and some inconsiderate drivers. I was relishing the thought of reaching Waipapa for some food in civilisation as my last two meals had been marmite on toast. ... read more

Awaking after a sound sleep overnight had discharged any tension still lingering from a botched airport experience and work at the back of my mind. I was also pleased to encounter that my legs had regained their strength and were not harbouring any ill-will against me. While Ben added an extra hour of rest to his schedule, I wandered over to the common area to have some breakfast. As you do while travelling, you meet some interesting people. This day was no exception. The hostel didn't exactly have the young crowd and was rather a haven for maturity levels across the board. Bill introduced himself as I noticed him perpetuating the aura of a writer, reading on his laptop and scribbling in a notebook. We got talking, which was perhaps not the right way to put ... read more