TA day 15: Over the Maungatapu...

TA day 15 - Maungatapu Track to Richmond from Robert and Marianne on Vimeo.

Today started with me fending off a weka, as he stole my juicy apple... Luckily, Pelorus Bridge campsite has a very nice cafe that opened at 8am. So I was able to eat breakfast in style before heading up the Maungutapu valley.

The valley was gorgeous with lush green pastures against a stunning backdrop of tree-clad mountains.

Then... The mighty climb began!

It had some Type 2 fun for sure, but on the whole not as bad as I imagined. The route down was very steep and slippery in places, so I ended up pushing most of the way down. 

Some of the ways this track is described is hilarious. A speed hump sign, when clearly the whole track at that point was a hump, with no one speeding! And the term "rock garden" conjures up beautiful gardens with decorative rocks and lily pads - again nothing like the description in reality! Once at the top though the view and my apple pie were awesome.

Photo Checkpoint #16: at Maungatapu saddle

TA day 14: It's Marianne's turn!

Starting the day with trepidation, I pedalled down the hill to the ferry. I received a royal reception from the Interislander staff who asked if I was a TA rider, and if so to go to the front of the line! 

The other TA riders were very friendly and the crossing wasn't as lumpy as I expected given it was a southerly.

Picton was very windy. Worse than Wellington if that is possible! The ride along Queen Charlotte Drive was gorgeous though, with the wind behind me the whole way!

I camped at Pelorus Bridge with great facilities and a cafe to boot!

Enjoy my first video of Day 14. Dedicated to my wonderful Lost Letter Office team, whom I'm thinking of as I pass some amazing post boxes!