Alexandra to Otuhurea

We've been out of commission for a week or two - blogwise. Access to internet has been difficult...no computers that allow USB connections. As for biking...we're still on the road and moving along quite well. Fur-uncles and sitbones haven't been acting up as bad as past days. You might find a repeat of info. over the next few blogs as Paul and I tag team the blog at the same time.

Paul had mentioned in the last blog that we'd soon begin the Otago Central Rail Trail www.centrailotagorailtrail.co.nz The trail winds 151 km from Clyde to Alexandra and then down through the Manuherikia and Ida Valleys until it reaches Middlemarch, situated on the Strath Tairei. Probably none of that in the last sentence really matters unless you have perspective of the trail from a map. Check out the link...that might help a bit.

Apparently the Central Otago Rail Trail is New Zealand's first and longest rail trail. Most of the towns dotting the trail have joined in the revival of Central Otago...once sleepy towns have now found purpose. Backpackers, hotels, restaurants/cafes, shops, and camp grounds are popping up everywhere. The trail passes over 60 bridges/viaducts, through several tunnels, and presents a plethora of history. Check out the link listed to see the history. This is on the top of most New Zealanders "to do" list...we can see why. We were ready to try something different...busy roads/cars and headwinds were beginning to drag us down.

Imagine a spaghetti western...that's what the rail trail was like. We thought it would have been funny to create a movie in sephia to present this portion of the blog. I guess you're imaginations will have to run with this one...

Tuesday, February 19th we started back on the trail with our end destination set on the Crow's Nest Accommodation in Oturheua. It was a scorcher with no trees in sight. Sun screen was applied more than usual. The trail was a slight uphill, winding climb to Chatto Creek. We passed through three tunnels, one at Price's Creek and two at Poolburn Gorge. All chisled and exploded out of schist rock. Quite amazing when you think about the skill necessary for their construction. The detail and craftsmanship was truly spectacular. Everything under a backdrop of blue skies and rolling golden hills. Sheep, stag, and elk farms broke up the scenery...especially the elk. I think we saw five male sitting on a plot...all of which had a rack of at least 8+ points. Not something you'd expect to see in New Zealand.

We strolled into Otuhurea later that afternoon to the Crow's Nest Accommodation. We were pleased to see our backyard arrangement would be comfortable and welcoming. It's always nice to lay your head down in someplace cute and quaint. Our host, Terry was from the U.K. and made us feel like kings and queens. When you're greeted with a beer instead of a hand shake the bond of friendship remains forever! We thought we'd have the place to ourselves but a native New Zealander strolled in not too long after we arrived. Peter was his name and he rode a 30 year old yellow, single-speed bike with rented gear. This was his first time riding as much as he did. We were quite impressed because he was still standing even though the bike was a bit too small for him. It was fun helping Peter set up his that tent he grabbed out of his garage at the last minute. He said he hadn't set up his tent up in over ten years and wasn't sure if all the parts were still in the bag. Shelter wasn't a big deal - there was plenty of it...although without it it gets very cold at night sleeping. We joined Peter at the local pub in town for some Blue Cod "fush 'n chups" and ginger beer. Once again...we're very grateful for what we have...full bellies, shelter, and each other. We truly are blessed.