Coastal Highway 6
South of Ross
South Island, New Zealand
Yup I made it out of Hokitika! And it was a tough decision. I emailed Moa and Kiwi to see what they thought I should do: go north, go east, wait for repairs. Every time I looked at the map, nothing in any direction but south had much interest to me. I want to see the glaciers! I want to see Fiordland! Going around was a hard enough for folks with cars, but by bicycle practically impossible. And I had no desire to catch a bus. I want to bike!!! So this morning I awoke with the answer: bike down to the river and see what happens. Take enough food so you can camp out until its repaired. Why not? It's only suppose to be a couple of days before the have a temporary bridge in. So that's what I'm doing!!!
And after I stocked up at the grocery store -and am I stocked up!- I met a couple cycling south: Ben and Laura. They just met 5 days ago and started traveling together. Laura's a young Canadian woman (Toronto) who's been on the road since last summer having cycled down the west coast of the US into Mexico before coming here. Ben's a Brit who came here for a couple of months, like me. So I asked them their plan and told them mine. They hadn't decided and were headed for coffee to talk it over. See ya down the road, maybe!
And I did. They caught me down the road. (Everyone catches me:)). My positive attitude that I'd figure a way over the water inspired them to go for it. Love it. Further down the road I see a guy loaded coming my way. He said he'd come across the river. How??? Helicopter!!! How much? Free!...for an interview. It was a news copter. That's not going to happen twice. We'll just have to see what happens for me.
This guy has cycled tens of thousands miles. Amazing. Passes of Peru. Loves to push himself. He had some good stories.
I'm camped on a high point over the road with views of the coast (and sounds of copters overhead...lots of activity). And this annoying bird that's not afraid of me. Stones. Screams. Keeps coming back. I don't think it's a Kea. I've been warned they eat cars and bicycles. I seemed to have scared him away for awhile.
And that's all the news for today. And another glorious day in NZ it has been!!
Oh, I do want to mention all the caring drivers who bothered to stop and make sure I knew the road was closed. So thoughtful. One even offered me a lift in his truck, but it was such a beautiful day and I was in no rush, I declined graciously. The world is so full of kind people. Please stop listening to the news. It's tainting your perception of reality. Get out and meet some strangers TODAY! You won't regret it.
P.S. it's 7:04:). Some of you know what that means. For the rest, the time, when I check it, is most often 4 minutes after the hour. It's almost creepy how frequently it happens!
Roar of distant waves crashing to shore
Faint birds chirping
Grey light of cloudy setting sun
Quiet closed road
Remote
Alone
Calm
Unafraid
Restful
Rich
Blessed
Introspective
And I have to keep reminding myself "I'm in New Zealand!" Today's views remind me of Idaho without the shoreline.
Optimistic BagLady
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