Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
It's been a busy 2 weeks off the bike...or will be by the time I'm back on next Sunday. A well needed break.
But I need to go back and finish our tour of the South Island NZ. Several nights where we camped coming across from Nelson to Picton we met artisans who live in their campervans and go from Arts Festival to Arts Festival. And their "homes" were a treat to tour.
Graham was a wood worker that carried his whole workshop in the back of the bus and a trailer behind. True gypsies! My kind of people.
Later we met a woman when we camped behind a pub that had the cutest campervan. So much fun just checking this converted bus out with thoughts of living like this myself one day.
We'd made plans to do one last Great Walk: Queen Charlotte Track. It required us to arrange for a water taxi out of Picton, 75 km walk over 3-5 days, then a taxi lift back to Picton. We also needed to find bike/gear storage. The iSite center would have stored our stuff for about $50 but I felt I could yogi something for free from locals. So off we pedaled to see what I could find. And pedaling up the street, a guy mimics my pedaling. So, of course, I stopped to chat him up. "Know anyone around town test might store our bikes while we tramp the Queen Charlotte?" What taxi service are you using! "Beachcombers." Good, I think they'll store it for you. And they did! Love it when things come together...and still awed how easily it does:)
The next day we had a lovely hour's ride out through this sound. Stunning!
We had to book our campsites ahead and we decided we wanted to go slowly and take 4 nights. The taxi service will shuttle your packs up the trail to campsites on the water. And since April was concerned about her back, she opted for that the first night.
She now wishes she'd done it the next day, because she, as easy as anything, stepped wrong and rolled her ankle. Dang! This brought our hike to a premature end. Pauline, a Dutch woman hiking with us and shuttling her pack, carried April's pack to our campsite for the night which luckily was at the water's edge. In the morning, we all took the taxi back to town.
This meant we were heading by ferry to Wellington 2 days earlier and in the long run, really was less stressful for us. I have dear friends in Wellington: 2 guys I met on the Pacific a Crest Trail in 2010 and their wives: Moa and Mrs. Moa...and Kiwi and Mrs. Kiwi. And they kindly shared hosting us and shuttling us and giving April a tour of the city. I am always grateful for all they do for us!
Because it had been a year since I'd had my teeth cleaned, I asked Mrs Moa if she could book something. I also had a mild toothache I wanted looked at. Also, my bike needed a new rear cluster and chain. And my gear needed washing and some stitching, plus had to be well cleaned to get into Australia soil free. In return, they asked us if we'd share our stories one evening with a group from church. Of course!
The dentist was two trips of 1:30 each time and $1500. Ouch! He also felt my initial issue should have a root canal and crown when I got to Australia. And he hooked me up with a dentist here. (Australia is known for expensive dental costs, I've been told. So, I've spent the week getting more educated about root canals. Interesting differences of opinions.). But he did clean it up, dress it, and put a temporary filling. I'm going to see how long I can go before doing anything more.
Kiwi and Moa doing dishes!
And while we were biking the South Island, a dear friend of mine (that I went to Nepal with) was hiking it with get husband and a friend. We so hoped we could meet up, but being in foot and bike didn't give us a whole lot of flexibility. We were near and yet so far many times. But we both hit Wellington and crossed paths for one night. I'd hooked them up with Kiwi and Moa for some trail angel support. So we got to reconnect the night before we flew out. So great to see you, Apple Pie!! And I can't believe I didn't get a picture:(.
It really would be easier if I wrote more often because I miss sharing so much. I think I'll sign off here and pick up in Australia next.
Livin' the life!
BagLady
