Day 12: Seddon to Kaikoura

"Oh my god!!" I gasp, involuntarily, as I catch sight of my naked torso in the mirror in the morning. There are lumps all down the side of my chest. I was stung on the chest yesterday by a wasp-like insect that flew down the front of my cycling shirt. Could it really have had this effect? However, the moment's panic is over as I realise what the lumps are: they are my ribs! Last seen in 1983, or thereabouts, I just didn't recognise them at first. Despite the 8,000 calory per day intake, I seem to be losing weight.

The tough climb out of Seddon takes us through more dry rolling hills. There are views of distant mountains. This is vineyard country still. But after 20 miles or so, we spy the sea and start a delightful run along the rocky North-East costline of South Island, towards Kaikoura. It really is achingly beautiful and, with a light tail wind and sunny weather, the most enjoyable stage so far. I stop frequently to watch the seals; playing, splashing or just blobbing out on the rocks a few feet away. There are thousands of them all along this coast.

Claud and I stop to enjoy a refreshing fruit juice. I would have had a crayfish, but they only sold whole ones, (and they were rather large, as you can see!),so it wasn't really practical. A KitKat was an acceptable substitute!

Kaikoura was originally the main whaling station and now the centre for whale watching and many outdoor adventure pursuits. So I have trouble getting a room anywhere.

Eventually, I accept a bed in a shared room in "The Lazy Shag" backpackers in Kaikoura. It is a new place and very smart and well equipped with a view of the Kaikoura alpine range behind.

Distance today: 105 Km, cumulative: 1399 Km

written by

John and Claud on January 28, 2007 from Kaikoura, New Zealand

from the travel blog: Cape Reinga to Bluff

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Those poor young backpackers - hope it wasn't too much of a shock for them!
Love from the wife at home

written by Pat Taylor on February 1, 2007

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