R + R at Wai-iti

Hey guys, since our last update we've been taking it easy at Wai-iti Beach with the Muller family. Wai-iti is home is of the famous White Cliffs (and less famous black sand). We spent four days golfing, playing tennis (Luc), swimming in the ocean (Torrey), and running. And eating lots of sausages! At night we relaxed and played cards - we kids had our own cabin/converted-shipping-container - us two, Kaylum, Kaylum's sister Nicole, and her friend Rochelle. On the second day of our stay we ran the White Cliffs Walkway. It was a 12 km hike with some spectacular views. On the fourth day we planned to do something even bigger - climb Mt. Taranaki. Unfortunately the mountain had other plans for us. After a few hours hike we were told the open climb had been canceled due to wind on the upper portion of the mountain. Disappointed, we returned to our car. We still hope to conquer the mountain someday.

After Wai-iti, we travelled to the Muller home once again. We were greeted by the news that Torrey's mom had been in a car accident, and broken her top vertebra. This was kind of terrifying for Torrey but thanks to her cousin Phil, Aunt Pat, and her dad, and the Mullers for letting Torrey use their phone for a whole afternoon, she was able to get in touch with her mom. We think Susan must be a super-woman for the way she is dealing with this. We are both extremely glad she is doing well, and we send our love and wish her a speedy recovery.

It was an emotionally exhausting day. The next morning we set out on our bikes for Wanganui, where we were lucky enough to stay with Julie Muller's brother Glen and his partner Mary Ring. This was our longest day yet at 120 km. Going into Wanganui was hilly and hot, but it was well worth it, as we arrived to a home-cooked meal and hot showers. We were treated to a tour of the city after dinner. One highlight was a bird sanctuary with talking cockatoos ("Polly want a cracker?" Yes please.) There was also an elevator and tunnel from the outer edge of town down into the center. The top was a lovely place to watch the sunset.

And now we're in Levin, after another long hot day with beautiful mountain views at the end. Today was 100 kms, but tomorrow will only be about 30. We are taking the train from Wakanai to Wellington, and then staying in the YHA Hostel near Te Papa museum, where Luc stayed on his previous trip to NZ several years ago. After that, look forward to updates from the South Island!