Friday January 24, 2014

What a day – our longest distance to date.  We had planned to get to St. Andrew’s at 75 ks.  The wind was with us, the temperature was perfect, we left Oamaru at 8:00 am and we got to Timaru at 1:30 –  90 kms in 4.5 hours.  We motored.  We stopped for a light snack at the Nosh Cafe – this is what Ralf looked like before he had his coffee!

The road was flat, and not much to look at.  The only thing of note is that we crossed the 45th parallel (half-way between the south pole and the equator).  We had passed it going to Queenston but we were on the bus,  the disadvantage of bus/car travel you cannot get photos like this.

We found a camp site where a few classic cars were also staying overnight.  Ralf is really enjoying seeing all these cars.

We are running out of time on the South Island and we really want to be back on the North Island.

The South Island has been stunningly beautiful, but now that we have decided not to cycle the west coast we have more time to cycle up the west coast of the North Island and stop at Waitomo Caves to do the blackwater rafting or some other crazy underground water sport!!

The other reason I want to be on the North Island is if I need to fly to England in an emergency it will be easier to get a flight.  Joy is in hospital, and is fighting an infection as well as other medical problems.  She cannot start chemo until she is fitter.