Hanmer had gusting winds in the night. The morning brought concrete coloured skies and light rainfall that kept on keeping on.
About 7km out of Hanmer we crossed the Waiau Ferry Bridge. It was one lane. We waited for a car to go through and then ran along behind it. No oncoming vehicles came. Phew. There is a side platform on the bridge that is used for bungy jumping. I thought, fancy jumping off a perfectly good bridge!
Further towards the hills who should come peddling up behind us? Lisa. She was cycling through to Rangiora and then taking the bus through to Christchurch. It had been funny how our paths kept crossing without knowing exactly where each of us was going to be.
By lunchtime we took a break at the side of the road. What was that noise? Far across the Waiau Rover and flats we could hear the moan and bellow of a deer stag. We could just see against the brown hills, up to 5 hinds grazing together. We gave a bellow ourselves and got a reply.
Further on a group of half a dozen sheep were at a roadside gateway. They looked alarmed and keen to get back in the paddock. Definitely a problem if they ran out onto the highway. I called in to the next house and informed someone who knew who to contact.
We reached Culverden. The campsite there operates a unique kiwi camp system with credit on a small dog chain. You double tap a digital box that registers your stay and allows access to showers and laundry services. A smart system I thought.
A tent pitch in the dark, however, by days end another 37km accomplished.
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