Oamaru-Waimete Dec28-29/08

We chat with a couple of cyclists that did a commercial tour in Nova Scotia.

We do a tour of the little oceanside community of Moreraki. It is quite cute. There are a couple sheep sculptures made out of different coloured scalloped sheet metal...cool.

We turn off to see the "Boulders" like marbles. We have fish and chips at a Take Away. It is quite hot as no shade.

After 10km we turn off on an alternate road along the coast. The water is a beautiful turquoise colour with whitecaps. It is a nice change of scenery to be on the coast again.

Beach Road is closed as the pavement becomes dirt, however we take it and the pavement resumes. Further along half the paved road has been eroded by the ocean but it is only a short section and safe for bikes.

As we approach Oamaru we climb a long steep hill then descend into town. There are lots of historic buildings. As I am waiting outside the tourist info for Peter it is "baking hot" as there is no shade.

I am wiped by the time we reach the motorcamp. We have some unique take away items at a cafe across from the motorcamp. I wanted to see the yellow penquins but too tired to cycle there tonight. The motorcamp is very busy-we are squeezed in.

There is a line up of women and little girls for the shower, so I am glad that I took mine the evening before. Today is hot and sunny and cloudless. After stocking up on groceries we leave town.

After a short distance on #1, we turn off on #83 then get off on Ferry Road which is flat and straight...we cover 26km in an hour.

We get back on #1 to cross a 1200m bridge then stop in the shade at a reststop for lunch. After a short section on #1 we again veer off on a side road. There is only one big hill going into Waimete but the tar is so hot...the tar seal is melting...that it is sticking to our tires and picking up gravel.

Our tent site is amongst tall trees so it is well shaded from the heat. A short ride into town for groceries, popsicles in the shade then back to camp for a shower and supper. AT camp, we meet Rob & Peter and I am able to talk them into a game of cards. We play until 11PM, it is a fun evening.


Day 54 cycling 46KM
Day 55 cycling 57KM