Winchester to Geraldine (9.61 miles/15.47 kms)

Short day today and I am glade I decided to stop early because it was very productive.

I found that old bed in the trailer very comfortable, too comfortable, and had such a good night’s sleep that I didn’t wake up until 6:30. It was so hot last night that I slept on top of my sleeping bag even though I had all the windows open.

It was still warm in the morning and I knew it would be another hot day as I was sweating, and drenched, within the first half hour of walking.

I was still undecided about which route to take, the main highway or the scenic alternate. The owner at the motor camp had said again this morning how much nicer the alternate scenic route was. He said it was mostly flat until before the gorge, where there was one steep climb up and then mostly downhill after that. The climb didn’t concern me as much as adding additional distance and days.

There were two routes to take from the main highway, one going to Geraldine. I stopped at a gas station, one of the only two here, and was told the only cafe in Winchester was closed. There was no market here either, but Geraldine has lots of cafes and restaurants, and a big market the clerk told me. That was the sign I needed to make up my mind. Hearing that the longest bridge on the South Island, with no shoulder, was up ahead on the main highway didn’t hurt either.

So off to Geraldine, and the alternate scenic highway, I went. Immediately I was more relax as it was a level two lane road with very little traffic.

Had I gone just a mile further last night I would have found a nice public campground right on the Waihi River that was lush and green, with lots of trees, and even with facilities. But, I was very grateful and happy with what I had last night.

The temperature was already 80 degrees by 9:00 and already hotter than yesterday at this time. Geraldine was only nine miles but it seemed further. There was another Top 10 Holiday Park there, but it was just too close and early to stop there today. I found another motor camp four miles further on the Orari River, just out side of Geraldine, and I decided because of the heat I would stop there.

I stopped several times under the shade of trees and drank several of my drinks. By the time I got to Geraldine it was close to noon and I was already overheated.

The first mile into Geraldine is mostly residential. I figured it would just be the usual small town with a cafe and small market. As I passed the Top 10 Holiday Park motor camp I turned a corner and came into a big and nice business district. There were numerous restaurants, cafes, gift stores, health food store, other businesses, and a big Fresh Choice supermarket.

There were several big tourist buses stopped at open market area and cafe, and I went in and had a great sandwich, and of course a giant banana shake! Along with that I had four glasses of water.

It was interesting to see so many people walking around this little town as I had hardly seen any cars on the road. It appears Geraldine is a center point for tourists coming and going in different directions to see the various sights, including the Rakaia River and Gorge where I am trekking.

After my air conditioned lunch I started back out and realized that staying here would be a much better decision. There is nothing at the other motor camp so I would have to buy my supplies now. By then it was also hotter and I wasn’t sure I wanted to trek another four miles. Plus, I had wanted to sit down early one day and go through all my clothing and supplies and eliminate items that I wasn’t using. So, I turned around and got a cabin at the Geraldine Top 10 Holiday Park.

It turned out to be a good decision as I got an early shower for once, washed my clothes, and most of all, I went through all my clothing and supplies. I came up with a shopping bag full of stuff weighing almost six pounds that I will be sending to Brian and Shirley. It’s not only the weight that was a concern but it will give me more space to make it easier to pack.

It took it to the local post office and the nice clerk there helped me pack it. Wouldn’t find that back home!

I also had a chance to walk around and sightsee the town a little as everything was within two to three blocks from the motor camp.

I got diner at the store and had it back here in my little cabin. I wish I could stop everyday at noon as it would surely give me lots of time to relax. But, obviously, I would never finish. I’ll just enjoy the time when I have it, as I will take it one day at a time.

I noticed last night that I was developing an issue with my bursa sack on my right elbow. I remember bumping it hard against something and I noticed the pain in my elbow increasing. Last night I noticed it was swollen and it got a little bigger today. I had it once before when I scratched my elbow and it got infected. The doctor gave me antibiotics and it went away after a few days. The inflammation in your bursa sacks can be caused my several things, from an infection, a bump, or even repetitive motion. In my case if think it was the bump, and maybe my repetitive motion with my trekking poles is aggravating it? It’s not really painful, unless I bump it. Treatment can be a lot of things, including taking anti-inflammatories. I’ll try that first and keep an eye on it, but it hopefully won’t be something major.

Tomorrow it is suppose to be a bit cooler, and we will see? The next place with a store or restaurant is about thirty miles, so tomorrow will probably be a tent night.

Best wishes to all,

Ted

Please excuse the typos, spelling, grammar, etc., as I am typing this on my phone, and I am probably pretty tired.