Hey! The sun is finally back. I've ended up spending more time than expected in Taupō and I'm now on the move again. Great to ride again!
I’m going to Mangakino for the following reasons:
- It’s not the same road as I took between Rotorua and Taupō
- I plan to pass through and continue to Whakatane then towards the East cape
- It’s not a main road so there should be less trucks
- There is a lake as well
- There is also four free camps sites closed to each other
- I’m also waiting for Russel’s answer (who?) about potential work
- Mangakino is almost on the way to go to Tauranga or Rotorua.
- That’s enough :-)
Everyday while going to the city center, I would pass through that scenery lookout of Taupō. Today the view is finally clear!
I can finally see the two big mountain where the Tangariro Crossing Walkway is waiting for me. Hopefully I’ll do it!
Since a few minutes now, I’m following this pipeline. It comes from or it’s going to the thermal power station. Very shiny pipe :-)
One more time, the landscape with its mountains covered of snow.
In the country side but not lost :-)
10 or 15 km more and I will arrive to my destination. Mostly I’m going down hill which is very pleasant.
Pleasant ride
That’s the Whakamaru’s river and its dam. There is a free campsite on the other side of the water but I prefer to cycle a bit further.
It’s always more enjoyable cycling front of a landscape like this.
Less visually appealing but very necessary.
I’m now in Mangakino and there is… nothing. I cannot even find any panel that points to the campsite. Fortunately my GPS is helpful: the next road on the right is called Lake road. That should be it.
My campsite is no far now
I’m there :-). There is a wonderful carpet of grass and the perfect view!
There is also a “bus café” where we can eat pizza, fish and ships and burgers… Tomorrow it is going to rain so if I stay in this place I will have a pizza :-) yes!
I met some guys here who told me that this place is very crowded in summer. I’m lucky because I have it all almost for myself now ;-)
I have some work to do: clean my chain. For this I need degreaser, paper and patience. I clean every links of the chain to be sure there is no sand anymore. 90$ for one chain, better keep it as long as possible!
I have some work to do: clean my chain. For this I need degreaser, paper and patience. I clean every links of the chain to be sure there is no sand anymore. 90$ for one chain, better keep it as long as possible!
cleaning my chain carefully
There is a little cute wharf to welcome the little boat of this little lake, cool :-)
It’s good place to read a little story with my little kobo :-)
Onto the river there is this old fashion boat. It’s possible to visit or have a look around the lake but certainly in summer time.
I don’t have any television but I can still watch Sport on channel “Nature” during my meal :-)
That was a good day and I’m pretty sure I’m going to have a wonderful night here. See you!
One response to “Taupō > Mangakino”
What are you reading? The old man and the sea ? I’ve put my texts to Atelier d’Ecriture on Kobo, with calibre. It’s difficult to make a picture and I had used picture already exist in calibre.
It’s better with the sun for your trip, no ?