Tour progress

The first day was mostly dry, but hard and unforgiving, for drivers and cyclists alike...up and down zig zagging along to Russell. A quick ferry ride in the roll-on roll-off ferry then on to the campsite at Waitangi. A site definitely to be recommended.
We investigated the house where the Waitangi treaty was signed..or rather tried to..it's now inside a museum and we were a little late.
The rising moon was beautiful..and in the morning the reflection of the setting moon was breathtaking, just as the rain rolled in.
Luckily as the race at off the rain had finished  and I saw them past.
A leisurely shop and hopefully I was far enough being the tail enders I thought....I managed to pass several groups cleanly without causing bother to the riders, and had a stop at Kaikohe.
It looks like a lively town, like many the shops are struggling, but it looks like the community pulls together.
It was good coffee there!!
An hour's break and 50 km to go out of 90 to Opononi..
I caught pirate's group and stopped to cheer them on.
It's interesting how groups develop with riders supporting and encouraging others...it's about finishing not just doing a good time.
Tonight we are in the Opononi Hotel...good food, good music, good company!!

Moon

Nearly full moon rising..over Whangarei

Practice...

 Trying the first 25km of tomorrow's first stage...as far as Hokianga

 And some Rimu trees

Travelling North

Yesterday we headed North, in welcome rain, and our first stop was at Tarariki pottery outside Paeroa.
A place to find peace and inspiration, coffee and fresh figs, talk on many things.
It was good to meet Mike O'Donnell again and see that he is doing his own work again as well as inspiring others.

I soaked my navigation stone in the spring once more..and my feet too this time.  It has brought me back twice already.. here's hoping....

We have arrived at Whangarei now, back in a top ten camp, after a night at a basic but good cabin in a camp at Ramarama. It was sad to see how many have to live permanently in campsites like these, but they provide a good service for them as well as for a large number of campervans. Two nights here, getting ready to roll on the 21st on the Four Day Tour of the Northland..him riding, me driving.  

The computer hasn't put all the images where I wanted them...but at least they are all there!

Mountain view

This is the view from our cabin doorstep this afternoon, of the Kaimai range of mountains.
Not sure where we will be staying tomorrow!!

Lily....and organising

Unless you know otherwise...it looks like a lily!
We have moved to Opal Springs campsite near Matamata..I would have liked to stay in Te Aroha, but this is a learning experience I suppose!!
We are one in a small terrace of cabins.. amongst all sorts of cabins and sites..a bit short on facilities, but it will do for two nights.
We drove over to Cambridge to see a friend...and found that he is in Wellington for the weekend!! Meanwhile we met his brother, a great mate of pirates ,and his family .Wife, toddler and Bump..and the news that their parents have bought the nextdoor house!
More visits earmarked for next time!

We also booked our accommodation up to the morning of the 26th... Whangarei and the Northland Tour here we come...with two nights there before and after the tour so hopefully we may see sights and people....
We had the definite feeling that we were booking the last beds available in the overnight stops on the Tour...but not surprising as there will be at least 300 riders plus support and organisation. It also sounds as if some people have booked accommodation a year ago, possibly as they rode the last one!!
At least that is one worry sorted.

Safe

We are safe..and deeply saddened.