Km um km

Today, the first stop was at the sign with the super long name. I was the only person there, which was really relaxing. I had seen so many videos of this sign and finally, I was there. I also made an avocado toast there, a real treat, and then continued towards Whanganui, stopping on the way for shopping (because the newly bought bread was unfortunately completely moldy) and refueling. A small detour took me to Lake Wiritoa. I mostly drove through Whanganui, intending to visit a glass shop, but it was closed due to the holiday. Then, I headed to Castlecliff Beach, where it was extremely windy, so the wind has unfortunately not stopped since Wellington, and on the beach, it was very windy again. Nevertheless, it was beautiful, with super high waves and black sand. I decided to keep going because tomorrow should be another day with good weather, which I really need.

So, I headed towards Hawea to Whaihi Beach, which was stunning, with rocky cliffs and black sand..

So, folks, here's where it gets silly. I kept hearing this strange noise and thought it was just the wind. Now, I park here and hear it extremely loud, so I'm thinking this can't be the wind, what is this? Next to me, some people had parked, a guy and two ladies, and they kind of signaled me to stop. He laid down in front of my car, and I naturally got out to check. Yes, there's a cover underneath the car that's loose, only hanging on one side somehow, and it's dragging on the ground completely. He tried to fix it, but no chance. They were so nice; they didn’t even hesitate and said they unfortunately didn't have tools, but they lived only 5 minutes away and I should wait here while they get something to fix it. I mean, what, that’s so sweet; I would have been lost without them.

He then came back armed with a huge toolbox and removed the thing. He realized I had no idea, so he explained it nicely to me without making me feel dumb, you know? So, I've got the thing with me now, but it's not essential; I don't need to replace it. I chatted a bit with the three and wanted to at least give them 20 dollars, but no chance. Then I continued on without any rattling noises :)

Off I went to Opunake Beach, which was also incredibly beautiful.

After a stop at Cape Egmont Lighthouse, I headed towards New Plymouth. There, I stopped at the unbelievably beautiful place Back Beach. The sun was shining, the tall cliffs, several islands in the water, just breathtaking. Last stop for the day: the camp. A very nice spot by a lake.

Oh, and folks, it was cloudy and raining all day, but just before the camp, I saw it, the peak of Taranaki.

And I had actually planned to do the super famous, very strenuous hike to the Mirror Lake tomorrow, but I think the weather will let me down, and it's unfortunately not possible for me to do that. Likewise, Tongariro Alpine Crossing might not happen; I'll see if I can change the route and come back later, but the weather is unfortunately unpredictable. It makes me a bit sad that I probably can't do these two, but well, there's nothing you can change, we'll see.

The day was definitely extremely packed with kilometers, but it felt so good to be out again after 3 days in the city.