It was another early start and on the road by 6.20am after having called into town to pick up some food. I could have done this yesterday as I suspect that it was the same display, but no worries, a nice bacon and egg with lettuce sandwich and a lolly cake for lunch as well as having a heap of fruit.

It was colder than leaving Paihia yesterday, but this time although I had more gear on it was still very cool and while it was a clear day, when the sun did rise it took some time to warm up. The paddocks had a heavy dew and it felt that it was not far off a frost…

After about 45ks arrived at Pukenui and the road was 50m or so high above the sea and there was an inlet with a lot of boats moored, as well as some commercial fishing vessels. It looked really nice, however it was obviously tidal as on the way home it looked totally different!

The road opened up and there were a lot of up and downs going through some really nice undulating farming country. I could see the white sands on occasions on both sides of the coast and the landscape changed to more reminding me of the coast around Australia with the vegetation looking like it gets shaped by the wind, thankfully today was okay and it was now starting to get quite warm.

The cows in the adjourning paddocks to the road are obviously not used to cyclists as while they are just happy to graze when a car or motorcyclist goes by, as they hear me it nearly causes a stampede and then they turn around and stare as if there is going to be a charge forward!

A sign showing that there was 20ks to the Cape was welcomed, although I was counting the ks down on the Garmin anyway. The road over these last 20ks had some surprisingly large climbs so I was hoping that when I get to the Cape and turn for Bluff that it is in fact all down hill!

Nearing the Cape there were some beautiful views of the sea particularly on the west coast and the massive sand dunes in the distance.

While unlikely that anyone would steal Mr Scott at this location, I was not taking any chances as it would be a long walk home, so used my light lock as a deterent. I was pleased that I brought my sandels as although you could see the lighthouse, it was a good 10 minute walk away.

The views at the lighthouse looking down at the coast line were fantastic as were the colour of the sea which was a real bright blue. You could also see the currents of the two seas meeting and it would be an interesting place to be in a small boat.

There were the typical crowds all jostling for a photo and a selfie in front of either the lighthouse or the signpost and I made particular notice of the sign to Bluff which was 1,400 odd ks but that was as the crow flies. It was so lovely that I found a spot on the side of a grassy bank and enjoyed my picnic lunch. At the time I could not understand why others were not taking advantage of the site to do the same, but on reading a tourist book later found that I had broken protocul as it is a spiritual place and you are not supposed to eat there… Woops, sorry spirits, I hope that you will forgive me..

Walking back up to the carpark I did what many others have done before and walked off the track to get to a higher point for more photos.. stunning.

The Manager at the Hotel told me that when they do re-runs of the Porky Pie movie with a drive from the Cape to Bluff, the minis are small enough to fit between the bollards and drive down the walkway right to the lighthouse!

So at 1.20pm with Mr Scott unlocked and backpack on, I commenced the “start” of my Cape Reinga to Bluff ride and for the next 10 days or so, with every k I am getting closer to home.

It was a bit of a grunt on the return ride to Kaitaia as although my now the wind had come up, it was predominantly a westerly that was more helpful than not, but the climbs were still there. It was just a matter of counting down the k’s but it took a while to get to the 200k mark and then finally when back at the hotel it was 222ks for the day.

The elevation climbing was 2,498 so no wonder that the legs are a bit tender..

While it was a long day, it was very satisfying having truly got to the Cape on my own, but that was only the first objective, next one is to get home before commencing part 2.

The day was longer on the bike as most of it was done outside of cell phone coverage, so that means no music..

After arriving back at the hotel it was a quick shower, get the washing done and then in for dinner and managed a couple of beers before bed..

Had been asleep for a couple of hours when phone started making funny noises and a message under a new application from techo Phil Jones, thanks Phil, for the message not the wake up call!

I am completing this blog on Monday morning and my phone although was charging all night is non responsive even when power is going into it so have taken out the chip and reinserted and hopefully by charging it will come right.

In looking at the weather forecast on TV this morning it is rough for the lower half of north and although the forecast here was for rain, it is currently dry and overcast so lets hope that it holds.

My schedule was for a “quieter” ride today of 68ks to Rawene but I will see how I feel and whether I try for Dargaville which would be about 170k.