Day three: We thought the rain would move through during the night, but it poured as we were delivered to our bikes.
Well, it started out cold and threatening to rain...
Really? I really did not want to start in the rain. I mentally could adjust as it came in, but a wet ride to start with!? And God must have read my mind because it just stopped! Just as we finished reattaching our panniers. Yay! No rain and down hill and a shorter day in the saddle. A lovely pedal through happy cows and sometimes loose sheep, a flat white at a local cafe, a break on the side of the road for a little rain that went through …a lovely day.
...but, it stopped raining and ended up a nice ride.
We called our host at Waipiata, 12 km before his pick up spot, and Peter got there just after we did.
108 km done, 42 km to go tomorrow.
What a character! Peter had us leave our bikes, laid on their side on the edge of the trail under some pine trees. We took our panniers and jumped in his car for a 20 minute ride to his family farm.
The farmhouse was a hoot...
...view out the front door...
...the living room...
...we quickly took over the front porch...
...attempting to fish again...
...ended with sitting under a tree enjoying the peaceful sound of rain on the river.
The real rain came in later that day. Too bad because Peter’s property is right along the beautiful Taieri River…perfect for fishing. Bob carried his fishing pole with us on the trail so did not miss trying his luck, even in the down pour. No fish but that doesn’t seem to diminish his fun.
Dinner on day three was a BBQ prepared by Peter and his partner. Grass fed steaks cooked to order, lovely salads and even ice cream. Just an example of how everyone gets in on the opportunity to provide some hospitality and make some money. Peter was a character and his farm was a lovely place to rest up for our final day.