It’s
funny after 6 fairly intense days biking across a nation you feel like you have
entered into a completely new lifestyle. That is until you your first rest day
and it feels like your back in Queenstown in your bed ready for a day off, is
it so easy to change back? I came out of the bedroom at a few minutes past ten
having spent the better part of the morning watching films and browsing social
media. Sitting having breakfast with Brian and Kevin already discussing the
possibility of going hiking or kayaking at one of the local hikes. After a cup
of coffee and a nice few slices of toast with marmalade we talked further on
some current events and our route for our trip before getting on to the idea of
kayaking a local lake. Deciding on the closer lake due to the day’s high winds,
we went outside so we could try on some gear and fit the kayak. As far as being
in a proper expedition kayak this was Brian’s first time so he was eager to
jump in the gear and take first go at the kayak.
Once we
had gotten the kayak and the bikes loaded, Kevin had explained that those not
in the kayak could go for a bike ride around the area, we set off in the direction
of Lake Mahinapua. From the point where we would launch the kayak, Brian would
cross the lake and head into a small outflow river where Kevin and I would
drive to another park and ride the bikes around before meeting Brian at a
bridge we had marked out with a small piece of cloth. As Brian set off into the
lake Kevin and I headed out to the next parking spot a few miles down the road
here we unhooked the bikes and proceeded to ride down a beautiful trail only
stopping to mark the bridge for Brian. After we continued on, the trail got
better and better from going through the remnants of an old saw mill to a
boardwalk over the swampy marsh below. Before long it was time to turn back
around and right on time we met Brian under the bridge where we exchange roles.
Now today, as luck would have it for Brian, the wind was blowing down river so
on my way back to where we had first pushed Brian off I would be battling my
way upstream and against wind… sounds like a good rest day.
Having
done a little more kayaking then Brian I was completely ok with this
arrangement. Once again another moment of what was thinking? Luckily the
scenery and blue skies were perfect the workout I was getting may have phased
my mood. The river route took me through more of the classic New Zealand
Jurassic forest though swampy flavour added this time. The hardest part of my
journey came when the river spit you out at the far side of the lake and the
wind was trying its hardest you right back into it. But despite the punishing
head wind I still managed to make it back to the meeting point 5 minutes early.
Once we
had got back to Kevin’s place, Kevin cooked some more of his homegrown and
homemade Pumpkin Soup while we leaned over some maps discussing different
routes Brian and I could take on our final few days in the south island. One of
our friends Kay had also managed to make her way up to Hokitika from Franz
Joseph so Brian and I wanted to go into town and meet up with her. Once we had
met Kay down in Hokitika we decided to explore some the historic buildings and monuments
that the town had to offer. Since Kevin was nice enough to both prepare dinner
and invite Kay over as well we decided we had finished our touristy activities
and should head back.
As I finish
up this journal for today we had a lovely meal prepared for us and we all
talked and discussed many topics I think back on my short two day stay here and
how much I will miss it. Day 7 no distance by bike but miles in life lessons.
Thanks Kevin.
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