One thing is for sure, farms grow pretty lush grass down this way! It wasn’t long before a herd of deer were looking our way. One in particular, not too deterred by our human presence.
The road-walking continues south of Winton, and it’s straight. Music from our devices suspended in our neck scarves, helps keep us upbeat. An app called ‘Map my Run’ also speaks out the km we’ve covered and our average pace. Something different to motivate our minds that we are progressing.
When an Invercargill sign comes into sight, we know it is a false sense we are there. The central campground according to Google maps is still a further 10k onwards.
The housing intensifies. A number of these, two stored, tiled with plastered exteriors. Some, have a sense of grandeur about them.
Finally, into the central campground we stride and confirm our arrival at the reception. Darkness is closing in and there’s a chill in the air, but very little wind.
It felt a long 32k effort for the day. The thing is, it will be the last of our 30+ km days for walking NZ. In the South Island alone, we have had 20 days of walking further than 30 kilometres. Of those, 10 days were greater than 35 kilometres.
A white cat approaches in the half-light to oversee our tent pitching. Later we take note of a sign on every wall of the dining / kitchen area (see below). Obviously a cat of notoriety!
This is a tremendous effort boys: I've been impressed: I met you on my bike just before the devils staircase south of Queenstown: the daily distances you travel: the packs you carry: sleeping in a tent and doing all this day after day for over 90 days: you will remember this for a very long time and so you should: congratulations 🎊
ReplyDeleteThank you Neville for posting this comment! We feel so grateful to have had this adventure together. Though we only spoke to you for a short time on the Devils Staircase, we remember that chance meeting clearly. The fact that you made a u-turn on your bike to stop and talk was something special. Cheers, and happy future cycling adventures for you!
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