Date: 26 Nov
Start: Kaitaia
Finish: Haruru
Accommodation: Haruru Falls Motel and Conference Centre
Km's travelled today: 355
Total Km's travelled: 4,021
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Today is what this whole trip was about. It was a day filled with moments and memories we will take away with us for a lifetime. Today was the day we get to our second goal - the Cape Reinga Signpost.
Starting with a 6.30am start, we left to get to Cape Reinga by 8am, before the tourists. Then we were in for a treat. We were lucky enough to ride all the way to the Lighthouse. As I don't ride, I was on the back of Magou's trike. This was an unexpected surprise and a highlight of the trip. We all made our way very carefully to the end, and it felt like we were riding right off the edge of Aotearoa. The views were simply stunning and you could clearly see where the two oceans meet.
We must give a huge, heartfelt thank you to our R.A.C member Michael (Magou) who organised this with his friend and bike brother Mahu from Ngati Kuri, who was born and brought up on the Cape, and his family. Without them this would not have been made possible. Selwyn Moses was there to open the gates for us. Ngā mihi.
Then it was off to Mason's dad at Switzer Rest Home in Kaitaia, where we all parked up out the front and his dad and some other residents came out to chat and have photos. Today had a strong feeling of whanau love, and this visit highlighted that in many ways. Mason's dad used to ride, but is no longer able, so to be able to have the bikes at his front door, even just for a limited time, was something that made him very happy. The joy from the other residents was clear as well.
Next we headed off to the world famous fish and chips at Mangōnui Fish Shop, where we all took the opportunity to sit, relax and breathe in the sea air. Rick tried Hāpuku for the first time, and Gloria tried to chat with a seagull. Sandy, who is really fussy with her coffee, finally had a coffee that was simply delicious.
We managed to chat with other people about who we are and what Post to Post is all about. Again, more cancer stories were shared.
On the bumpy Northland roads again, this time to Haruru, where we are staying at the Haruru Falls Motel for a few days. Yes, we get to have a rest day tomorrow! It was warming up by the time we arrived mid afternoon, and it didn't take long for everyone to jump into the pool, where suddenly everyone was acting like children with water fights and bombs.
Even Gloria was in on the action with absconding with one of the motel staff in his buggy for a few laps around the grounds.
With the last of our energy sapped, we chilled for the rest of the afternoon, watched the ducks go by, had an obligatory BBQ for dinner, and sat and watched the waterfall.
Then, still in silly mode, we played a game of Cards Against Humanity. If you have played this, then no explanation is necessary.
We are looking forward to relaxing tomorrow, so not sure if there will be anything to blog about, but we will see.
Ngā mihi
Joy Smith
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