5:50am, the alarm rings. I planed to see the sunrise and take the best pictures I can. I will be one of the first — with some islands like Fiji (Wiki) — to see the sun rise today. It’s not happening everywhere in the world and I want to see that! There is 700 steps between the top and the carpark so hurry!
700 stairs later...
Phew! I’m not late!! The lighthouse is still standing 🙂
Ready with breakfast 🙂
Wow… that’s the beginning of something wonderful. I don’t remember if I have ever seen a sea sunrise in my life.
Whispering: It’s coming!
Smooth warm morning colors 🙂
Southern view.
Stay here, it’s not finished!
I’m not moving!
That lighthouse sees that everyday.
From where I came yesterday.
Zen picture 🙂
Grass style for Max 🙂
Back on the road!
I’ve packed all my stuff and I’m now on my way back to Te Araroa but I have a little problem… there is a group of cows heading in my direction and they seem afraid of my presence. I should try to hide myself but I don’t have much where to go.
More scared cow...
The power of nature.
I’m back in Te Araroa :-). I didn’t notice this panel last time.
With a closer look I can see that I’m 1300km away from bluff (Wiki), the last town of South island where I’m heading. That’s one of the stop at least.
That is the perfect spot for skaters!
I’m now cycling up hill. The altitude here is 192m and I’m not on the top yet. Tikitiki (Wiki) will be my next stop. I will have done 20km since I left East Cape.
222m seems to be the top! Temperature is 26°. That’s a great day 🙂
Spring is coming and flowers are blooming.
That’s Tikitiki (Wiki) centre 🙂 Another small town
Ah, nice, a park. A perfect place to have a rest.
… and eat something 🙂
Shortly after the break
I’m now in a big valley riding along the Waiapou river (Wiki). The temperature reaches 28.5° now. Such a warm day.
This road is hilly and fortunately covered with shade. That’s good because it’s getting warm!
Crossing the Waiapu river to reach Ruatoria (Wiki) soon. Maybe 5km more maximum.
I do not know what was that building for. Mining?
Ruatoria (Wiki) is the biggest city I came across since Opotiki.
Here, grass grows everywhere even onto buildings 🙂
I’m buying some food in “Four square (Wiki)” alimentation shop. I had t0 take a picture because I’m really surprise of the prices here. Many products are cheaper than all the over shops I’ve been to, even compared to big cities. That’s great! During my shopping, a girl, maybe 13 years old, passes by and say:
- Hello
- Ola, que tal, donde esta la playa?
- Sorry... Hello :-)
I thought to myself: “Mmmh, people are quite polite around here :-)”. While I was carrying all the articles in my arms, the girl pops up again with something pretty useful.
- Do you want a basket?
- Ah yes, that’s a good idea, thank you :-)
Mmmh, People are REALLY cool around here! Later on I asked about something I was looking for to one of the woman worker and see that little girl right next to her. They must be mom and daughter, right? I kept on browsing around until I collected everything I need for the next few days, went to pay and finally came back to my bike wondering if I would be able to fit all inside. Suddenly, I feel someone in my back and hear:
- Are you looking for a place to stay for tonight? Because if you do, you can come to my house.
- Ah, euh, yes, euh…
- I was actually thinking of my plan for the rest of the day. Will I continue cycling or not but if you invite me, why not :-)
Walking "home" :-)
This is how I ended up walking back to Maila’s home who lives not far from the city centre with her two children: Kaila (the girl) and Ramai her son.
She tells me that it is not the first time she invites foreigners. They like doing it because they learn something new or different and meet new people. That’s cool 🙂
That’s their home 🙂
My bike is safe as well 🙂
They even have a pool table and one bicycle to repair 🙂 A WWOOF (Wiki) job?
Cute garden.
While Maila is busy preparing something she told me to go to their garden. That’s a good place where I can rest, write my blog and enjoy the cool weather :-).
Later on, Maila’s cousin came with his daughter and grand children. We discussed outside quietly around a cup of tea. A good afternoon! The main thing I’ve learned here so far is “help yourself” :-). For the second time in four months, I’m going to sleep in a real bed ahah :-).
My favorite is the photography number 16. The sunrise with vegetation in the front.
People are very confident in NZ! That’s true, you don’t look like a crazy man, but in France I don’t know if strangers are received that well!
In Paris, it must be impossible to be welcome like this, but in the countryside I’m sure people are the same.
Waouhouuuu c’est incroyable ce levé de soleil !!!!!
C’est magnifique. Nous pouvons rêver avec toi de ces lointains horizons. Tu es le roi de la photo et des sensations que tu nous fait partager.
Bisous.
Bonne continuation.