Today we are heading to Mapua! First of all we need to pack. Second of all we have gear coming which should arrive any moment now. We start by going to the tip shop and the restore with Kelvin, looking for a backpack. We end up finding a vintage bag for $2! We go back and pack our belongings and choose what to leave behind. Only going for a couple of nights, so we don’t need everything. We are all ready and we are going to go but the courier will be here soon and they have my pannier bags! It only takes an hour and a cup of tea and they finally arrive. Best of all the seller threw in a front torch for the bike.  It is even brighter than the one we got Rowan.  Score! 

It is nearly 2pm and we set off up the hill. I notice Rowan’s tire is a little low, a quick stop to pump up the breaks, then carry on. Once up the hill it is a really fun down hill ride to Tahunanui. Then along the rocky mostly flat, little ups and downs by the water. There is a head wind which is rather tiring. When we reach Richmond it has taken us an hour. I was a bit tired but determined, yes let’s make it to the last ferry from Rabbit Island. When we reached rough island I was pretty buggered. I just wanted to stop.

Rowan kept pushing me on and I kept cursing him. The stress of making the ferry at 5pm spurred us on. That and the fact there is no camping allowed and no water. Not that it would have stopped us, but the promise of hot showers and real food made us continue. Phew we made it with time to spare. By this time we are rather wet and cold, sitting and waiting was making me even more cold. There was a lady with us and she said we should call the ferry. So I called him to let him know 3 wet cold passengers are waiting and I hope he realises he still has passengers to pick up. He was lovely enough to come now, nice and early. Which I was greatful for as it got us out of the rain.

On the other side the rain stopped. Typical! It was unanimous to get a scoop of hot chips at the chippy before heading to 4square and campground. The hot chips really hit the spot. Now warmed up and some food in our belly we could make the last 800m to dinner and camp. We broke a lot of our hiking rules today.

• Going late in the day
• Not eating before leaving (Rowan hadn’t eaten at all
• Having a deadline
• No snacks handy

On the upside we can push ourselves to do over 30km on the downside we are pretty slow! Nothing new lol 🐌

Rest day! Today we relax, we have a bit to tinker with but it is relaxing! The bikes need a bit of editing and the cogs and gears are filthy. In to the village for a nosy and we go to the 4square for some food and cleaning supplies. It takes a bit of elbow grease but the bikes are looking much cleaner. Some new chain oil and they’re running smooth. Rowan’s cheap pannier bags from the restore begin to disintegrate, hmm, back to the drawing board. We really should get some waterproof ones like mine. Then we don’t need to worry about any of our gear. As we take a shade break under a tree I notice a bike lock on the tree. Ooo is it unlocked? Yes it is, we have the combination and now have two bike locks. Free is my favourite price! After all that work it was 4pm! Time for a drink.