Winchester, South Island NZ
It took us 3 days to get out of Christchurch. April had found a route done by a bike touring group that went out to the coast and over some steep hills but it looked like fun and would keep us off the main road and away from traffic. So off we go to Sumner and up Evans Pass Rd, a steep climb. As we're nearing the top we see a sign that says "Road Closed Ahead", but think that can't be our road, wouldn't you put that at the bottom of the hill? We arrive to the clapping of a guy on a mountain bike. "Where ya headed?" he asks. Lyttleton. "Can't get there from here. Road's closed due to rock fall during the earthquake." Dang! Well, maybe we can camp up here before we head back, but we didn't get water yet. Don't really want to cycle back through Christchurch tonight. Turns out the guy, Mark, is a Warmshowers host. We might be able to camp in his yard but it's slanted except down by the river. Or we could sleep in the guest room. A couple from France just left. He'll be home in an hour and he gave us directions. We beat him to the house and met his wife giving her the story. She kindly invited us in for tea while we wait for Mark to arrive. When he does, he has another idea of a place to camp: the small yard of the house across the street that's empty and going to be demolished. Perfect!
So we set up while Mark and Natalie (I think) take off to friends' house. Yup. We've got everything we need but when we go to cook our supper,we realize we forgot to get lighters:/. (Can't carry them on the plane.). How are we going to start our stove. Dang. We'd been in the house, finding the back door unlocked but it was empty. But April goes wandering through the kitchen opening drawers and doors. Nothing. Then she glances up on the windowsill and what do her wondering eyes behold??? A small lighter! Bingo!! Talk about Trail Magic!!!!! Two very happy woman. I found I was still jet lagged and ever so sleepy. I went to sleep at 7 pm (for many nights).
In the morning we find this cute note under a rock outside my tent. "Welcome to New Zealand. Merry. Christmas. It's a kiwi! Johnny" and there was a kiwi bird ornament there too. How sweet! About 30 minutes later Johnny shows up. He's an 8 yr old boy, the owner of the trampoline in the picture. That made it even more special. He said he snuck up while we were sleeping and didn't want to wake us. I love Kiwi kids! They're not like American children. Great beginning to our trip.
Our next day included lots of climbing as we were still trying to get to this major peninsula we saw on our map. We could see the mountains over there but we're having a kick ass time getting there. Poor April was on day 2 legs. I felt sorry for her. We found a stone shelter up one of the hills to camp in for the night and put our tents up inside for warmth. Oh ya, I've forgotten to mention that summer seems to have slipped away here. It's cold! Temps in the 50s with rain and icy southerlies...winds from
Antarctica! Chilly!
But we have had some amazing views:
We decided to skip the peninsula and start heading south to Bluff. We have this idea of spending New Year's Eve backpacking on Stewart Island if we can get there by then. We're cycling through mostly farm land that is quite windy at times. And the weather is cold. So one night with the wind in our faces, I asked the Universe for
some woods to camp in. Now mind you, we hadn't seen any woods for days, but they sure would have been nice. But we also hadn't gotten our evening water. Don't ya know, I looked left and see the nicest pine forest with no underbrush. And a gate with no lock. Hmmm. Looks mighty tempting. But we need water. Across the street is a small farm with the gate open but a warning about hazardous site. I sees guy out by the barn. Here goes. I ride up to him. Could we get some water? Yup. Do you know who owns the woods across the street? We need a place to camp out of this terrible wind. Not my land. The owner lives several roads back that way. Others have camped there and gotten away with it. Ok. We're going for it.
And it was so quiet in there out of the wind. Trail Magic again!
The next night we camped near one of these huge hedges they grow as wind blocks. It was so nice and warm on our side and windy on the other.
And tonight we stocked up on food because if I remember correctly, the stores close Saturday afternoon and don't reopen until Monday morning. Maybe not true of grocery stores but we're ready.
And I needed some entertainment today so I found some playmates.
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
