We left Opononi, but not before enjoying a great breakfast. I really do love those continental hotel brekkies, not great for the waste line but who cares when you are away. A short drive to Rawene where we caught the ferry over to Kohukohu. I think Fei was really enjoying seeing some scenery and generally having a good time.
Although we had got up to the sun shining it was evident that we were going to get a mixed bag all day. Standing in the sun waiting for the ferry, next minute sitting in the car while it poured with rain. Still I am in a car..and the harley riders in there lovely leather gear looked really well prepared for the conditions, (cough cough.) As it turns it there was a massive bike gathering just north of Kaitaia where there were hundreds of bikes, mainly cruises , needless to say I didn't stop. On the way to the Cape many overtook us, often in dubious circumstances, and I watched as they wobbled around the corners. I seriously despair at the skill level of some of these guys sometimes. One guy cut in front of us with only inches between his rear tyre and my front bumper.
We encountered fierce winds, and torrential rain on the way up. When we go to the cape you could not see your hand infront of your face. And it was raining And I felt the need for a snooze. Typical really, drive all the way the and I want to nap. Jase headed off towards the light house while I looked at the inside of my eye lids. When he came back he did say it wasn't as bad down by the lighthouse as what it was here. And then it started to rain again. I made the decision to wait it out for a while and see what happens. 15 minutes later the fog had cleared and we were able to walk down and take better and clearer pics. Just goes to show. Being the point where the Pacific ocean and the Tasman sea collide you never really know what weather pattern you will get.
We left the cape andheaded towards our destination for the night, Kerikeri. A lovely little town and a place I have stayed at often.
I had booked us into a Bread and Breakfast. I have stayed in a few BB's but this one would have to be one of the best ever. Moongate Villa A beautiful home run by two very friendly guys. Beautiful gardens, lovely rooms, where the attention to detail was evident where ever you looked. And as for the breakfast...holy shit it was good. This place is well worth staying at if ever you vistit Kerikeri.....it was worth every penny. I could not find fault. I am sure Fei and I wont hesitate to go back there again.
Normally I am always in a rush to leave any motel and hit the road....not the case Sunday morning, eventially leaving just before 11. Just goes to show what a wonderful relaxing pace it is.
We took the old coast road from Russell back to Auckland....and as a testiment to the weekend felt I had been away for a week.
Judging by your weather, I would have been really happy to have been in the car instead of on the bike.
ReplyDeleteCool pictures. I love the coast in the fog.
Brandy my lovely..I actually like fog, I find it mysteious, dont like riding in it though.
DeleteRog:
ReplyDeleteI like to take the car as you don't need to be wearing all that armour, plus I can carry more camera equipment. On the bike I seldom bring telephoto lenses, flashes or other accessories. But I find myself giving the "biker's wave" often by habit.
Moongate Villa looks like a nice place to spend some time
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
Thanks Bob, there were a few luxurys that were i the car that i would not have had on the bike, so I am with you on that. just nce to have a change from the bike.
DeleteSometimes I wonder what people are thinking, riding in that weather without the gear ... I saw a learner on a cruiser that he was obviously having trouble holding steady, going round a round about the other day wearing boardshorts and t-shirt ... yes it was bout 35 degrees but I'd rather sweat than scrape pretty much all my skin off ... Rather look cool than be dry? ... of course.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was the most relaxing weekend you could ask for, I love it when you can stay in the motel/BB til the morning is nearly gone :) Thanks for sharing again Roger.
Brenda...you are not the only one that wondesr some times. , I relise each to there own, me personally am prepared and comfortable. It makes riding a bike safe and enjoyable. In this case though..all the gear, and no idea springs to mind.
DeleteMaybe you should have left some IAM flyers with those bikers ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe Villa looks beautiful.
You must have had a wonderful weekend with the necessary balance of rest and sightseeing. Good for ya, mate!
It was a great and relaxing weekend, throughly enjoyed it. and yes a few flyers wouldnt of gone a miss, but they must want to learn....sigh....
DeleteSometimes fate shows us why we don't have to ride all of the time...
ReplyDeleteMoongate sounds wonderful! The entire weekend sounded great for that matter. I'm happy you got away and relaxed.
thanks hun, looking forward to getting drunk and eating lots of food with you soon...and thrashing that weeee honda!
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely excellent trip Rog! Have never been over on the Rawene ferry - what are the roads like for bikes on the other side?
ReplyDeleteIt's a terrible thing to say but in NZ, Harley riders in general don't exhibit good roadcraft. Guess that dressing like a "rebel" affects their judgement too. At least we know two good Harley owners eh?
Thanks for the tip about Kerikeri accommodation when we're up that way in March. The Farmers Market on a Sunday is great too.