End of days

Our apologies for this delayed entry but we had no internet access where we were staying in Oamaru.

Friday morning saw the boys heading out in the worst weather we had experienced in the 3 weeks we've been on the road. Although the strong southerly was coming from behind, it was pushing the trike around more than was comfortable on dangerously wet roads. Still worse was the bitterly cold rain.

Come lunch time Rob and John were both wet through and cold and it looked as if the days ride would have to be abandoned. After some food and a change of clothes we took a look outside to find that the clouds had rolled away to present a clear blue sky. Great. The rest of the ride to Oamaru was largely downhill and went quite quickly.

To our great delight we were met on the final stretch by several members of the Oamaru Ordinary Cycle Club and were given an honour guard of sorts into the town center. A recumbent tandem flanked by several penny farthings provided the locals with a rather interesting spectacle.

We were greeted by Oamaru Mayor, Alan McLay, and a number of locals who soon whisked us off for a celebratory drink at the North Otago Club. After a delicious roast meal we were then escorted to our diggs - the most incredible backpackers lodge imaginable (see links of interest). The Old Bones Lodge is situated among farm land overlooking the Oamaru coast, comes complete with log fire, comfortable chairs and centrally heated rooms, in addition to being totally wheelchair accessable. We loved this place.

More later...

So there you have it, we made it! Not a bad effort really, even if we say so ourselves. However, we made it only because of the support we received from the numerous organizations and individuals referred to in earlier entries and in our supporters list.

For those interested in the numbers:
3 tires blown (probably human error)
5 punctures
18 motels/lodges/homes
1,100 kms cycled (admittedly, not one for the record books)
5 schools visited
many friends made

Not surprisingly, it was the characters we met along the way who have provided the colour to an otherwise fairly monochrome canvas - you cycle one road, you have generally speaking, cycled another. With one exception - we have already mentioned the rugged beauty of the South Island high country, the particular sense of satisfaction we derived from having slogged it out to get there. If you get a chance, cycle it for yourself and make up your own mind. Our mission of course, besides going adventuring, was to inspire others to make a place for recreation in their busy lives. So do it...get on yer bike, as the saying goes, or walk, or do whatever else takes your fancy - make the time and enjoy.

A special thank you to our new, and not so new, friends in Oamaru. Annie, Marilyn and Gai - we would like to especially thank you for, well everything - for being you.

Our camera crew - you may have seen their names pop up from time to time. Sean (tiny dancer) and later, Marcel, turned out to be 2 of the nicest young men any of us have had the pleasure to spend time with. Admittedly, we were unsure about taking a film crew away with us, especially a crew who were virtual strangers. These guys added a fun and energetic dynamic to our group - and got the work done. There are several, not quite so young, ladies in Oamaru who would happily have kept them as permanent house guests - thanks fellas, sorry ladies.

And thank you to our readers and posters for your support and feedback. We have also enjoyed the company of our friends in Norway and those traveling abroad - the beauty of the digital age. It truly was encouraging for us to know you all were interested in our venture, following our progress from day to day.

As far as a daily log goes, this is the final post. There will however, be some personal reflections posted sometime in the next week or so.

Thank you, and good night.

Nanu, nanu.

PS. Yes Sean, you are incredibly handsome. We will post another pic as proof undeniable.