We made it to Waiapakauri barely…

We left about 6.30am later than we had aimed for, but that often happens with us. We did 2.2km stints before having a quick breather and pushing on. The sand felt softer and it was a lot more bumpy than the day before. It felt like there was a lot more resistance. It really was a push to beat the tide. We normally average 10km an hour including all our breaks here we were between 7km and 8km. So not great going.

At 23km we needed some food. We sat and ate some noodles. We haven’t had them since we first started hiking!

By the time we had food I was well over it. I just wanted to be there already. We had no wind, which is better than a head wind but it was just hard slog. I definitely prefer mud walking haha. Our bikes are certainly being hammered with the sand. Rowan starts sounding like a screeching gull.

The great sights bus came along, I had a chat to the bus driver. He offered to put our bikes in. I appreciated the offer and was sorely tempted but decided to get it done. I came to regret it as I went but once I reached the finish line I was glad to have done it. I will not do it again though. Possibly with an e-bike hehe

The last run Rowan was way ahead and I stopped, where I thought the road was didn’t look like it was there. I was worried we had to go a few more kilometres. Just as I paused Rowan started turning. Thank god for that, I started peddling again. We collapsed at the beach entrance and didn’t move for 10 minutes. We had a small Whittakers chocolate as a treat, it tasted great.

Eventually we found the will to move and headed inland to the campground. It is only 12.30pm but man it was a big push. Those two months off has hit us hard. It took ages to get set up and have a shower, we were running on fumes. There is a really nice community here and one of the guys offered us snapper racks and heads to have with our dinner. Some of the other campers have been fishing. Rowan said they are not very good at filleting and have left heaps behind. For dinner we had satay snapper with a lot of vegetables it was great. Along with fried bread Aunty made. She said she will teach Rowan how to make it. Yummy! It sure was a treat!

I gave our bikes a quick wash down to remove the sand. They need a proper clean and oil tomorrow. We chatted for ages with all the locals. But around 6.30pm we went off to bed, I could barely keep my eyes open!

Thursday, rest day. Rowan slept for 12 hours, he must have needed it. I didn’t sleep that long but was out like a log. I have given the bikes a good clean and oil. A few of the old boys went out fishing again and brought back a heap of snapper. They gave us two fillets! That is dinner sorted! We already have lemon.

Just been trying to catch up with blog, email and Eddy who has been trying to call me for a few days.