We got up early but took a bit to get moving. A terrible sleep with a noisy neighbour talking all night. Heading north we follow the road and the river until we hit Akatarawa River then follow. We get 2km in and have a rest mentally Rowan is finding it hard. I am okay but I wish I could amputate my little toe. Off we go again and it is not long before the rain hits. We stop at Karapoti Park for some lunch and find a spot under a tree. Then we carry on as the rain gets heavier and heavier. Both of us are on high alert as it is a narrow road and very windy. Cars are used to seeing cyclists but we make sure we are visible and swap sides constantly. Our next stop is Jock Atkins Waterfall, we don’t quite make it. A local man Graeme pulls over and offers a ride. We are 8km in with 7km to go with the rain expecting to get worse. We gladly take the ride, not cheating because we didn’t hitch. The next 7km of road is a lot more narrow, in some parts just 1 car going past. He shows us where there was an accident 2 days ago where the car flipped. A couple of boys testing out their skills by the sounds of it. We tell him not to worry about taking us all the way but he insists that he only lives a kilometre away from Clouston Park. Very thankful we head off into the park to find a spot to set up. Once set up we head into the river for a wash. It is really cold, much colder than yesterday. I can’t get in properly and I just stay in up to my knees. In our little palace we get dry and comfortable. The rest of the afternoon and evening I am very thankful for my cozy tent.