Monday December 10th
Morning:
Well, it’s Monday now and I’m finally on my way. The bike rides well and the area isn’t populous. I finally decided on a route as well. Look’s like perhaps 1500km, but time will tell if that is true. I’m going to take it easy today as it appears that tomorrow will bring at least 100 kilometers of hill. I’m glad I’m not carrying more than I am! It’s evidently enough!
Lunch:
So, I’m sitting in the shade in a graveyard in a town called Springfield. I’m compelled to recall just how mach I love Grave Yards. They’re so very peaceful. It amazed me to see well maintained huge open spaces, especially after a year in Korea. Not populous is an understatement. A town of 1300 qualified for boldface on the map. The cycling is both rewarding and killing me at the same time. I’m about ready to figure out where to pitch a tent and laze the rest of the day away and it’s only 3p.m.! I’m having trouble getting over this notion of summer and Christmas in one. I wonder how many Springfields there are in this world. I love it how the vegetation is different here. I can now begin to imagine how it might feel for a foreigner to visit Canada!
Evening:
Where I’m camping today is spectacular. I’m on a river! Just off the main road. Camping on public land is legal in NZ. It’s 7:45 the sun is still high in the sky and I’m exhausted. This is very exciting to me though! This is my first time camping on public land. Yay, free! I’m far enough away from the road that the river drowns out the sound of cars. Anyway, my head is heavy. The 75 km today were far too exhausting.
Camping Place:
