Date: 23 Nov
Start: Wellington
Finish: Napier
Accommodation: Napier Top 10
Km's travelled today: 327
Total Km's travelled: 2,930
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Gloria had a sleep over with us last night. She did snore a bit and she hogged the bed, so off to someone else's room tonight she goes.
Today we picked up Magou, Craig B and Jenny in Wellington. Magou will continue with us around the North Island.
Stopped off for petrol before we left. Some of the bikes were pushing it to get to the petrol station, with only a few litres left! Thanks to one of our main sponsors, Waitomo Fuel, Steve and Rick filled up the support van using the Waitomo app and their sponsorship dollars.
It was Sandy's first ride over the Remutakas, and it was a great ride with not many cars in front. It was overcast, so we were not treated to the views that we have been spoilt with in the South Island.
The 80km speed limit is so slow all the way to Masterton, so that was a bit of a slog.
Then it was at the edge of the Masterton bypass that Kaylene and Mem joined us for the next part of our ride. This is when the rain decided to drop, so it was a quick stop in Eketahuna for wet weather gear. In typical weather style, the rain stopped soon after. It was lovely and dry in the van though, lol.
We had run out of the lovely baking that had been supplied by both Jill and myself. So, an SOS call to Wonder Jill the day before saw us meet her at Woodville for a stockup of goodies. So good Jill, we love you!
Then off to one of our favourite venues, Hatuma Cafe, Waipukurau. It was hilarious that we are on a New Zealand long tour, but we still manage to visit the places that always welcome us.
As always the service was great, but this time we had Gloria with us. So she had lessons in making coffee from the local cat, and sat for numerous photos from all the customers there.
Craig, Jenny, Kaylene and Mem left us here for us to continue on our adventure.
We arrived at the Caravan Park with ample time to sit and relax before another Support Van BBQ. While sitting there we had a few of the locals come over and chat, and another donation came forward. Although this is an awareness trip, it is heartwarming to see how many people want to give a few dollars along the way. We were even give a $10US note in Picton.
Now we are sitting outside in Napier eating icecream in a cone and reminiscing over the last weeks adventure.
Where's Gloria tonight?
Joy Smith
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