Date: 28 Nov
Start: Haruru
Finish: Tuakau
Accommodation: Tuakau Hotel
Km's travelled today: 290
Total Km's travelled: 4,311
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As the kilometres increase and the days decrease we are all feeling a bit sad that this adventure is nearly coming to a close. The rest day did us all a world of good, and we were all up and about with time to spare. So we took the opportunity to take some photos at the Haruru Falls frame. Ironically Haruru means 'Big Noise'.
But this is one of the best group shots we have caught on phone camera so far...
The blogs are all starting to feel a bit the same - we went from place to place, met some lovely people, got another donation - but as much as the days all sound similar, each one has brought with it unique challenges and memorable moments. There are so many people that are touched by cancer, and everyone is so supportive of what R.A.C does and what we stand for.
It took less than 4 minutes on the road before we hit our first big pot hole, and the roads went downhill from there. Today we only had one stop/go (on a hill!) and one detour, so that made a pleasant change. All the work they are doing with the new seal, and it is disappointing to see the new seal lifting already!
Our first stop was a quick one at Whangarei just to top up (coffee and fuel) and keep going. Oh, and to make some running repairs on Danny's shoes. Good ol' duct tape (and Mason) to the rescue.
We were making such good time despite the Northland roads. Now that we have literally travelled from one end of New Zealand to the other we can say, without a doubt, that the Northland roads are the worst and are in desperate need of repair.
Standing around at our second stop in Warkworth for the day and we chatted to a few people, mainly about Gloria, but also about R.A.C. Because we are a very visual group with the support van, 8 motorbikes and a trike, it opens the way for people to come and talk.
As it was still early in the day we decided it was time to tackle the Auckland Motorway. But with Mike leading the charge, everything went very smoothly. We had already learnt not to leave a gap as the cars will take advantage every time. Living in the Manawatu is a lot easier to get around.
We stopped at our final destination for the day, at Tuakau. This is our second night here for this trip, so no real surprises with the accommodation. As we can't see any of the vehicles from our rooms, we took a bit longer to park the bikes and van so we all felt more secure that they will be there in the morning.
Tomorrow is another short riding/driving day, before we get to our final nights accommodation, where I am sure we will all have a lot of fun.
Joy Smith
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