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The Rail Trail, a 150 km bike and walking trail that has been made from an old train track, was almost regrettable - but not quite.
It was a scenic ride and all, but my bike isn't made for trail so it was a little slow going. Also, I found myself still fighting that cold so I was pretty destination oriented - just wanting a clean warm bed more than anything. I still had a few more nights of tenting and lots of kilometers before that would be my reality. I was feeling deflated to say the least.
It was nice to get off the main road and away from the cars. Like I said, it was also enjoyably scenic most of the way. It did prove a little too flat for interest - I really dont enjoy long flat stretches. I also dont prefer steep and twisty climbs. If I had it my way the terrain would always be undulating so I would only have to get myself to the top of the hill and the momentum from the downhill would carry me to the top of the next - perfect.
Anyway, I digress, the real beauty of the Rail Trail was that I came across three very important people that I would rather not have missed.
I met Celine and Azaline on the ferry from Wellington to Picton. Celine is a single mom who has taken a year off to cycle New Zealand, Fiji, Australia and Asia towing her 4 year old daughter, Azaline!!!! We spent a day and night together before parting ways. I was happy to cross their path again on the Rail Trail! A treat indeed.
My 'travel family' is defined by the people I see more than once during my travels or people I spend a significant amount of time with. They definitely fit the definition and it's always nice to see "family". It left me smiling for some time.
The last night on the trail was spent camping in Omakau. There I met Ashley, a Chicago gal on her very first cycle tour - awesome. We cycled a bit together and hung out in Queenstown. Unfortunately, I was not feeling well and my spirits were not at their highest. All things considered, we still hit it off. I'd love to do a tour with Ashley and if she could put up with me during my lowest and crankiest, I think we'd get along smashingly. We briefly mentioned the idea of Germany? France?
We attempted to sleep at her friends house one night. They enjoyed the 'party all night, sleep all day' routine and we both suffered impossible nights. I almost had a couch overturned on me while I 'slept' and she had people jumping on her at 3 AM giggling and laughing about things they couldn't remember in the morning.
I said thanks for the offer for accommodation and booked myself into a hostel for the following nights. It wasn't quite the nice warm sleep I was envisioning to feel better and boost my spirits.
- comments
Z Travel families make me smile. Overturned couches do not. Sending lots of sleeping-dust-sprinkling fairies your way!!!!