Day 19 & 20: Wellington to Whangarei

We left Wellington early on Sunday 1st April, we intended to go as far as our butts could cope. We had a beautiful ride along the Kapiti coast and then up onto the Desert Road. We had a lunch stop in Taupo by the lake, then onwards to Hamilton. We arrived in Hamilton at about 3.30 with very sore butts. Luckily Daniel was able to get us a room for the night at the motel across the road from His Backpackers (He was fully booked up).

The forecast for the next day was looking pretty gloomy, with rain expected to start in the late morning for Whangarei. But we decided to head off as the weather system was going to stay for about 3-4 days. So we took off at 7.30am and headed home, we made it as far as Orewa before the first shower hit us, after that it was a bit hit and miss. But we made it home for lunch, and we didn't get really wet.

Paul and I had a great time on our trip, it was pretty hard always being on the move etc. So we were quite pleased to be home. It can be very expensive traveling nowadays, but you can still do it on a budget. We averaged about $104 per day for the two of us, that included accommodation, food, petrol and a couple of touristy sightseeing things. The ferry crossing with the bike was $153 on Bluebridge and $165 on Interislander. We cooked most of our own meals in the Backpackers, and we made our own lunches most days. We purchased cups of coffee/tea three times, and let me tell you, that coffee lark at cafes is a RIP OFF. I am glad I am no longer part of the "Cafe culture".

Anyway since we have been at home things have taken a turn, Paul has been offered some work back at His old job, NPM. In fact He started this morning. I on the other had have got a trial day at "Arthurs Emporium" tomorrow, which I am not sure about as I fell over on Saturday and I think I have either bruised my ribs or cracked one. Off to see the Doc today, to see what He says and to get some serious drugs for the pain.

So yes we are back in reality land again for a while. Earning some more freedom chips, and experiencing a winter on the boat.