Amberley to Grate Valley (21.47 miles/34.57 kms)

Woke up this morning not sure whether I was going to take another zero day or start out again. I used the excuse of whether it was raining or not to make my decision, and it wasn’t raining. The forecast, if you can believe it, was for morning rain until 10:00, and then afternoon cloudiness. I probably would have gone anyway if it was raining because putting on gear in a dry place is easy, plus it would have stopped raining before noon. I just wanted an excuse in case I didn’t want to get up.

Went across the street to the cafe and got some breakfast and coffee, and something to take along for lunch. I started out about 8:00 and for some reason traffic seemed light. I thought it might be because it was Saturday morning?

When I got to the Waipara turnoff most of the traffic seemed to turn there. The Highway 7 turn is one of the main highways to the West Coast, but there was also a flashing sign posted there indicating that Highway 1 further up was closed Sunday-Thursday, from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am. Maybe traffic lightened because of both reasons? I was really surprised, and very pleased, that traffic today was very light, almost as light as the Scenic Alternate Highway 72 route I had taken.

The temperature was perfect for trekking this morning as it was cloudy and it was about 66 degrees most of the day. But, about 1:30 the clouds cleared and the temperature immediately shot up to 80 degrees (27c). The road had been fairly flat, and I was making good time. Then just as it got hot, the road started a slow uphill climb that went on for a few miles. I think it was those mythological weather gods playing with me again because it stayed hot until just before the drop into Greta Valley.

The day was fairly uneventful, and as I mentioned, I was in a rhythm and making good time until the heat and uphill climb. The scenery changed a little as this area is known for its grape vineyards and wineries. Instead of seeing the usual farms, the fields and many of the hillsides, are planted in grapes. I stopped counting but I must have passed 8-10 wineries. I understand that the wines from this area are excellent.

I did have a minor equipment problem today. Because the day started cool I wore my only long pants with zip-off legs. I sent my other pair back to Auckland and my only other pants are my shorts. I’ve been wearing my shorts most of the time due to the heat, and don’t wear my long pants as much. Unfortunately they do not have an adjustment for the waist like my shorts have. I foolishly sent my belt back to Auckland too because I haven’t used it during this whole trek. However, I have lost some of my body fat, and most of my belly, so now my pants keep slipping down. It’s a minor thing of course, but now I feel like one of those little kids that’s always pulling up his pants! I’ll just have to string together some of my straps and make a belt.

The day would have been perfect if not for the heat, but I got to Greta Valley about 4:00. I had called the Greta Valley Restaurant, Bar and Motel, and had been told they had a room for me. When I met the owner she took me to what I thought was a room below the business, but it turned out to be an entire house! It was huge, and has two bedrooms, laundry room, full kitchen, and a living room. She was in a hurry, as she was running everything by herself, so she told me to just pick a room. I had the place all to myself and it was only $80 NZ ($54 US). I was in heaven! Should have had my zero day here!

I had a great long shower in that all to myself bathroom. Did my laundry without having to put coins in the wash machine. And then went upstairs and had a great dinner. What a great find! I am grateful!

I had my choice of so many beds, so I just picked the bedroom closest to the bath. I wish I could throw a party here because the place seems so waisted and empty. And to think I wasn’t able to get a cabin next door at the motor camp for $70 because they were booked. Ha!

Tomorrow? Weather calls for a slight chance of rain tonight, and cool cloudy weather tomorrow (ha!). Chevot is the next town with sleeping accommodations, restaurants, and stores. But, it’s 22 miles again! If I am in my rhythm, and the weather is cool, it wouldn’t be bad. If I don’t make it and campout, it adds at least another one and a half hours setting up, and the same packing up. I would rather use that three hours for the 6-8 miles of trekking. I will see how it goes, as I will take it one day at a time.

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.