Day 14 - Thursday 11 March 2010
Canoe Dist: 20 km? Canoe Time: 3 hrs 30 min.
We were up and away early this morning, yep, we even beat the Dutch crews off the beach. The Germans cheated by sleeping in the hut so they didn’t have to pack up their tents and mats - so they were disqualified in my book even if they did get away first.
Day three has two good rapids that actually have names! The Dutch were quite concerned about them asking lots of questions of anybody and everybody. Maybe that’s why they were last to get into their canoes today?
It’s probably the most interesting day in that there’s a lot going on in quite a short distance. There were jet boats delivering people up river, caves to explore and the two exciting rapids. Shari showed her steering prowess on both rapids, showing off by positioning her boat perfectly for the smoothest (driest) ride. Reid and I on the other hand went for the more “Lethal Weapon” rollercoaster experience - straight down the guts! We got soaked and took on quite a bit of water but had a good laugh.
After a couple of stops for gummy bears and jet planes we arrived at Pipiriki about an hour ahead of schedule at 1.30 ready for our pick-up. All three other kiwi boats were well gone, the Germans put on a turn of speed, fleeing for the boat ramp as if they were being chased by something (did they hear banjos?) and the English snuck in quietly ahead of us all ‘stiff upper lip‘. We never saw the Dutch crews again, they were very late… maybe still pondering whether to portage the rapids or actually paddle over them? I hope they’re OK.
It was a happy/sad moment to arrive at Pipiriki. Happy that we’d completed our journey (and could have a hot shower) but sad to be leaving such a beautiful environment and ending such a wonderful experience.
If you’ve been thinking about doing this trip but putting it off… book it NOW. It’s a ‘must do’ for Kiwis and right up there with the Milford Track in my book.
We met a local Maori boy called John at the ramp and he gave me a bottle of Tutu oil that is supposed to be a magic remedy for most aches and pains. He reckoned it would be just the ticket for the rest of my biking trip. It also keeps the sandflies away.
Our vehicle was delivered as planned and after loading up we drove back to Raetihi to check into the camp ground and take that hot shower. We drove over to Ohakune for dinner because we were told there are several restaurants to choose from. We selected “The Bearing Point” and had a wonderful meal, the highlight being Adam devouring pork ribs with his bare hands. Like any good father I showed him how to make cave man-like grunting noises while he chomped and how to guard his chips from a marauding little brother.
I haven’t scored this restaurant because it was experienced under different conditions to the others so far and so it wouldn’t be fair, but it’s very nice.
From the “It could only happen in NZ” file, we were sitting in the restaurant when two Boart Longyear utes drove past and parked. I was curious to see if I knew any of the boys, and of course I did… but that’s not all, a few minutes later in walked the English crew - ha, we beat them to the food anyway!
No comments:
Post a Comment