Today is the first “rest” day of the tour and the first place that I have felt like spending time. I think that that is because it is close to the Cape and I feel I can relax as it is close, but also because it is such a beautiful place and I love being close to the sea.

The body obviously knew that it was a rest day as did not wake till 8am and then a leisurely walk into town for breakfast in a harbour cafe next to the pier. While I was there a helicopter landed next door on the landing strip and I had to laugh as the only passenger in the back was the pilots dog!

Back at the motel, there was a long over due clean of Mr Scott with the motel cleaning staff being very helpful in providing cloths to use. The cleaning staff also complimented me on how tidy my room was when they went to clean it!!

I then set off with only a “day” backpack and what luxury this was as it was still a good climb out of Paihia and another couple before reaching Opua and then the car ferry to Okiato for the massive fare of $1 which was lucky I had withdrawn some cash this morning as todate I have operated totally with the eftpos or credit card.

There is a ferry leaving from each side and crossings every 10 minutes and I found it surprising how many cars there were that just seemed to turn up and also those that were waiting when we got to Okiato.

It was great to be able to walk around the deck during the crossing and as soon as it docked and the front drawbridge was down, there must have been locals on board as they are gone, no waiting to be told..

It was then a rather stiff climb immediately which caused you to certainly feel your legs and then it was a bit up and down around various bays and past an oyster farm in what looked like mudflats, before a very sharp decent into Russell.

It was a beautiful day and it was getting rather warm so was starting to leak somewhat, which was all good as I take that as loosing weight thinking of my goal to loose 5kg on this tour.

You cannot visit Russell without going to the flagstaff which was a stiff climb with the first ramp 21% and then basically did not go below 15% and then with the left turn for the one way road to the flagstaff itself it was 22% recorded on the Garmin so I was “leaking” some more when I got to the flagstaff. The views were absolutely magic and I had it all to myself so really peaceful to take it all in while having a mini picnic.

You can see private residences set on top of ridges that would have a fantastic view over the bay and I would suggest a fantastic price to go with it.. You can certainly see that there has been some $ spent on “holiday” homes.

I could live here, but suspect that I don’t have the bank balance to support it and guess that it is also totally different during the busy holiday season and around Waitangi Day.

I then rode down to I think Tapeka beachfront and heading down the road I knew that it was would be a grunt coming back up as the Garmin was showing between 19 and 21%. Great! On riding back up though a council truck was there and the workman gave a thumbs up in appreciation for the ride! yeah!

On returning to Russell it was a well earned large flat white and an equally large ginger slice while taking in the views.. It is a good time to be travelling as while there are people about, it is no where near peak although I suspect that things will busy up over Labour weekend.

It was a $7 fare for Mr Scott and me back to Paihia and then it was a ride around to Waitangi and the road above the golf course until it went to gravel. The views over the bay are just spectactular.

It amused me in the car park at the Waitangi Treaty House of a sign advising of risk of thefts from cars which to me seemed rather ironic given the significance of the site.

Riding around the Waitangi THC brought back memories of 2 work conferences that had been held there, lovely setting.

Back to the motel and as it was a rest day, time for a swim in the pool and a bit of a nap prior to dinner. I have gone Indian tonight and decided to try hot and was then asked whether I wanted my curry European hot or Indian hot. I chose European hot which blew my mouth out despite numerous cooling Kingfisher beers!! At one stage I slid under the table and it was not from the hot curry, but cramp which set in.. A bit embarrasing with a restuarant full on diners!

When I was reviewing my ride today I forgot when I was in Russell to get a photo of the Saint Peter Chanel monument on Chapel Street, buggar..

The day ended up a total of 34k, but that included the car ferry and also the ferry crossing from Russell. There was a total though of 604m elevation of climbing so it was not like I did nothing!

Tomorrow should be a totally free bike day to truly give me and Mr Scott a day off!