North of Clarence to Ward (18.64 miles/30.00 kms)

Today was a long and strenuous hill climbing day, but I felt good and I had energy. It wasn’t until the very end of the day, when I got to Ward, that I felt tired.

I woke up to a wet and foggy morning, with low cloud cover obscuring the surrounding mountains. Of course the tent and everything outside was really wet and it took some time to try and wipe everything down. It was still wet when I packed it up.

I didn’t start out until almost 9:00 and thought I might not make Ward because I was leaving so late. There was virtually no traffic, almost eerie. I figured it was because it was Saturday, but that only lasted until after 10:00.

It seemed completely different than yesterday as the traffic was fairly light and the road, most of the morning, was straight and level enough that I could see vehicles coming from a distance. The temperature was perfect for trekking and I got into a rhythm early and maintained it all day.

I got to The Store and had a nice breakfast and a big blueberry muffin to go. Interesting that, as with all the construction workers, all the employees at The Store were from different countries. Two were from the States, California and New Mexico, and one from Germany. All are here on two year work visas. One of the restrictions is that you must be under age 32. The woman from California had to run and have the woman from New Mexico come out and wish me well. Funny, those Americans!

For the rest of the day, until about noon, the road was flat or slightly rolling and it ran parallel to the coast line. It turned inland once and started a steep uphill, and then dropped back down to the ocean.

When it finally turned inland it started with a long steep uphill climb that was a few miles long. After that there were another series of steep hill, but not as long. Even going up the long steep hill I surprisingly maintained my rhythm. When I finally reached Ward I felt tired, but it was probably psychological knowing it was the end.

I had called the only motel in Ward, A1 Motel, and was told they were sold out of rooms, but I could pitch a tent there. There was also a rest stop just outside of town with a bathroom that was designated as a camp spot, but I really wanted to take a shower so I stopped in the A1 Motel. The manager, Juliette, said I could set up anywhere, and then I saw it, a trailer! Is that available? Yes. How much? $30 NZ ($20.54 US). I’ll take it! Wow, what a treat!

Even if it was twice (or 3x) the price I would have taken it. No setting up or taking down a wet tent. Absolutely spotlessly clean bath rooms, shower, and kitchen area, right next to the trailer. And the trailer is very clean and cozy. I’ve come to like them better than cabins.

I had to open up my tent and dry it out as it was still very wet. I also had to hand wash my clothes as there are no laundry facilities here. Juliette hung them out on her clothes line and will dry them for me if they are still wet in the morning.

I had stopped at the local cafe and bakery and had gotten a nice big chicken burger with cranberry’s, grilled unions, and the works, for my dinner. That saved me from my packaged meals. I am not a drinker, but a cold beer sure sounded good. I wish I had a beer, I said to Juliette while washing my clothes. Oh, I am not a beer drinker either, but someone left one in my fridge in my house, let me go get it for you. And, it was a nice ice cold Australian beer at that! I think I might have to wish that I win the lottery?

I love my tent, but there sure are advantages to not having to set up and take it down. I am cozy in my trailer for the night, with time to read again.

Tomorrow? Seddon is the next place with a motor camp, but it’s only twelve miles from here, and it got bad reviews. The next town after that, with all facilities, is Blenheim, but that’s 28 miles from here and too far. I’ll make that decision in the morning, as it’s one day at a time.

Best wishes to all,

Ted

The morning fog and low clouds

Fog got a little thick

The road was a little windy at times

Beautiful little church, built as a memorial by a family who lost their son in