Mr Blue Sky

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We had a so-so meal in the campsite restaurant then Neil let me thrash him at pool and we were all tucked up by 9pm.  The night was clear and we were at 3000 feet...i really must buy a better sleeping bag!

WARNING  - smugness alert

We awoke to the sort of day I imagine the bicycle was invented on - clear blue skies, not a breath of wind, snow-capped mountains in the background and a mostly down hill route ahead.  It was glorious and even when a stiff head wind sprung up in the late morning it was a stunning ride.

END OF ALERT

The length of our days is now entirely dictated by the availability of towns/accommodation and this was the second of a series of 'short' days at 64 miles.  We are in a motel in Taihape - The Gumboot Capital of the World, though I don't imagine that competition for the title was especially stiff.  Our motel room has a kitchenette ( can you add ette to the end of anything to describe a small version of something?) and we have ambitious plans for sea-food pasta and garlic bread tonight.

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