Tag 27 - West Coast Wilderness Trail (Part I)

Fortunately, Marcel, our Belgian bus driver, who ran a backpacker hostel in Asia and led 'adventure tours' in the Outback in Australia, had an open ear for me. Together, we stored the bike lying on top of the luggage of the other guests. The ride was truly spectacular, Marcel never tired of emphasizing that this was one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world (Source: Lonely Planet). I can't make such a statement, but I was impressed. I would have liked to ride this section on my bike as well, but I don't have the time for that. The road winds along cliffs and narrow switchbacks. The view of the Pancake Rocks, a formation of rock outcrops in the sea, was breathtaking.

Arriving in early afternoon, I set off from Greymouth. The West Coast Wilderness Trail initially followed the Pacific Highway. Just before crossing the Taramakau River, an older gentleman approached me and asked where I was heading. We had a brief conversation. He showed me the turnoff from the highway, which was not obvious to someone not familiar with the area. The path gradually went uphill. I briefly stopped in Kumara, as it was already after five and there was no campground in sight. I was glad when I ran into the older gentleman again, as he was driving on the highway, which was shorter. When I asked him about a field that was a bit secluded, he asked me in return what I thought about a sofa bed in his house. I gladly accepted this invitation!

On the way there, I learned that Bryan and his old school friend Dave take a tour twice a year. Both of them are from Christchurch and have rented a house from an old friend for a small fee. That evening, after two bottles of beer that Bryan treated me to, the two of them showed me an old gold mine and the birthplace of Robert Seddon, the first elected Prime Minister of New Zealand. I hadn't expected something like this in the truly small town of Kumara. Tomorrow, a steep ride awaits me on my bike up to the Cowboys Paradise Farm, and then downhill towards Ross. But for now, I'm looking forward to the first real bed in almost 4 weeks.