Hmm, where were we?
Ah yes. Levin...
Day 23 Levin to Peakakariki.
My toe was still in a state, I think the toenail might fall off. You could tell we were getting closer to Wellington, the traffic was getting crazy again. Sheldon and Adam took on the Km today, with Kari joining then for the last 10. Myself and Julia had a look at what Paraparaumu had to offer and then went to catch the other three up. After driving for a while, I start to say, ‘They sould be around here!’ another 200m, another 200m. We both get a bit worried. After 6km we come across the three of them smiling and waving outside Paekakariki station. A lovely police lady had given them a lift. This section of road is the most dangerous in the North Island - they don’t let cyclists use it. So tomorrow we start from Paekakariki Station.
As we had finished earlier than expected we decided to go for a a swim. As we were looking at the water we were met by Mayatiita and his gorgeous daughter Beri. Maya had only re-started skating a few days before and had been inspired by SkateNewZealand. After some rooting around in 'The Van' we managed to hook Beri up with a Dervish, some chargers and a newish set of pink Big-Zigs, both of their smiles have been the highlight of the trip so far for me.
We still had time to kill before meeting up with Joe and spending the night at his house, so Sheldon worked on his nose pivot to body varial things and the girls set about drinking 2 bottles of fizzy 'pop'. We had a brilliant night at Joes; ate 8 pizzas, Adam played Jungle Fever on the computer and we were joined by Joe's daughter, Grace, who was amazing .
Day 24 Paekakariki Station to Wellington
The next day we were hooking up with a few skaters from wellington; Craig, Maya from the day before and Joe for the skate to town. We all set off in a big group and followed the cycle track in to town. There were a few huge hills and we all blasted them with grins on our faces - This was the last day of skating on the North Island! It was only 40 or so Km to the ferry but is seemed to go on forever. We stopped to have our photos taken for the Dominion Post (The capital's paper) and stoped for Craig had hooked us up with yet more pizza fron Hells Pizza (Cheers Benji!) and we prepared for the Ngaio gorge road. Nat tazzed about on the back of Benji's motorbike taking photos and the boys took on the hill. When all was done we skated into the Interislander port - ready for the South Island!
We had a few rest days in Welly, Thanks to Craig for everything, we went to One Love Reggae festival, went on the radio, appeared in the paper and skated very little. It was amazing.
So Day 27 saw us catching the ferry North (go and look at the map, it doesn't make sense!) from Wellington to Picton. We arrived at sunset and camped up.Day 28 Picton to Blenheim
Today was a short day, we got up early and skated (Julia cycled) the 30km to Blenheim where Nat and Julia went to sample some of the local wine, very nice too.
Day 29 Blenheim to Kekerengu
We knew we had a few 'non-campsite' days ahead of us so we stocked up in New World. The roads were pretty hilly. Throughout the last year there has been a day skating that has been in my mind, the last 10k of the day was this day. I was skating by myself, the sun was out, the mountains were on one side of me and the sea was on the other crashing ont othe rocks. It was what SkateNewZealand was about. We stopped at a place called 'The Store' and planned our camping. After a bit of off-road driving we found a really nice spot right by the sea. We pitched out tents, played with seaweed, made sculptures and went to bed.
Day 30 Kekerungu to Kaikoura 60km
Adam and I got woken up by what we thought was a huge gust of wind. It was only when the 'wind' turned out to be a 'wave' that we started to panic. We dried out and got tready for the day. We are still skating in the hills, but this time we could see the Kaikoura peninsular in the distance. The last 20 were really fast and it was amazing to skate into town. We camped at a wonderful site, it had spa pools, a swimming pool and amazing showers.
Day 31 Kaikoura to Hundalee 35km
A half day today, we went for a walk around the coastal path, did a bit of climbing and set off after lunch. A few huge hills - but the surface is getting better.
Day 32 Hundalee to Greta Valley 67km
We got woken up by roosters and watched as the weather closed in. By the time we drove to Motunau Beach it was pouring with rain. We parked up under a huge tree and set up camp. Everyone was in a bit of a mood and it was made worse by wind and the rain. I don't think any of us slept for more than an hour (apart from Kari who had a 'wonderful night's sleep').
Day 33 Greta Valley to Christchurch 66km
A horrible day for skating. Inches of water on the roads, headwinds and no visibility. Adam and I got stopped in Amberley by a photographer for the local paper and we managed to get into town. A day off was called for. We all booked ourselves into a hostel and did out best to dry off. We went of to eat at the local Indian and Adam managedto complete the 'Suicide Curry' challenge and win himself a t-shirt.
It turns out that the photographer was for The Press, the National newspaper. We got a huge photo and article on the inside cover and spent the next day answering phone calls and being offered accomodation. So here we are, in a beautiful B&B in Redcliffs. We skated yesterday, about 50 or so Km and it is absolutely pouring with rain this morning.. It's the coldest day too. None of us want to leave. We are going to go and get Julia's bike from in town and put out wet weather kit on for the day. Then its south to Timaru.
I'll upload some more photos as soon as I can. Thank you for all the concerned emails, we are still alive!
nat
