Kismet

When I left Motueka (well over a week ago) I had the daunting task of climbing from sea level to approx. 800m and then descending to the sea again... I was really worried, however the reward of going to Takaka and Golden Bay weren't only the spectacular views and weather but also the people.

Upon arriving I received a heroes welcome (well sort of)... I was staying at a place called Autumn Farm. Really beautiful place with lots of fresh citrus trees - lemons/lime/grapefruit etc... and met some wonderful guys who offered to take me to see the Farewell Spit (the top of the South Island)... not somewhere you'd want to be during a tsunami.

Initially I had intended to stay for 3 nights and then head inland and then to the East Coast of the South Island. Well after staying 7 or 8 nights (yes I can't even remember the number of days that is how relaxed I became)... I finally decided that I needed to move on.

A wonderful guy named Yvon Hochstrasser (Swiss French) had offered to take my bicycle panniers up the hill and allow me the opportunity of a lighter ride. He and I had been spending heaps of time together all week, chilling out at Doc's Beach, Wharaiki Beach, Cape Farewell, a river swimming hole, checking out the Grove, going daily to the "Fresh Choice" aka "No Choice" supermarket and even kayaked with me... OR I guess I should say - carried a kayak with me.

Yvon and I had quited the time kayaking. A new friend Pete drove us down to the water... providing us with all the gear and gave us suggestions of where to head out in the ocean kayak. Let's just say the sea was rough so we opted for an easier plan and just enjoyed a quick paddle and then a break - followed by a lunch break. I guess we were enjoying the conversation too much and totally didn't realize that the water in front of us was vanishing - as the tide was going out.

Picture two guys laughing - - - up to their knees in mud, trying to avoid little crabs in the sand, and desperately trying to reach the water... Then getting caught in the channel where the water was being sucked back into the sea. The story of course is better told in person...as it makes me smile just recounting the tale.

Sadly Yvon and I said our goodbdyes at the top of Takaka hill - he was super sweet and even brought me a little lunch including a Coca Cola (that was cold). I kept cycling and enjoyed the downhill journey reknewed.

The funny part is that we ended up meeting that evening in Richmond. Went out for a drinks and dinner. It's always great to meet a likeminded traveller and someone that you really connect with - the sad part - besides the fact that he was in a car, was the fact that he was heading to the North Island and I'm about to descend upon the south.

Currently I'm on a dial up connection... but I will post a picture of Yvon and I during the kayaking adventure.