We were back to Sumner this morning at 9.30am to prepare for the paddle. We were absolutely blown away with all our friends and family that turned out to farewell us. Special thanks to Chris Milne and his mate Andy who supported us as we headed out on this leg. 
As we negotiated the swells on our way out in to the ocean, we were happy to see Tony and the 
Kaiapoi crew arrive to escort us.
As we negotiated the swells on our way out in to the ocean, we were happy to see Tony and the 
Kaiapoi crew arrive to escort us.Shortly after that we were joined by Nick and his Lyttleton crew and felt very secure as we paddled for our new destination at the New Brighton Pier.
The surf ‘threw’ us around a bit as we beached next to the pier! Once changed and fed (on a delicious mince and cheese pie provided by Al and Holly) we set off for Waipara on our road bikes. We were supported on the way by Mum and Louie, Al, Hail and Holly and Rex, Andrea, Geordie and Oscar. The slight tail wind turned to a head wind about Amberley, however we soldiered on to Waipara, just beating the support vehicles (
who had popped in to Pegasus for a coffee, wine, beer and food)!
The surf ‘threw’ us around a bit as we beached next to the pier! Once changed and fed (on a delicious mince and cheese pie provided by Al and Holly) we set off for Waipara on our road bikes. We were supported on the way by Mum and Louie, Al, Hail and Holly and Rex, Andrea, Geordie and Oscar. The slight tail wind turned to a head wind about Amberley, however we soldiered on to Waipara, just beating the support vehicles (
who had popped in to Pegasus for a coffee, wine, beer and food)! We enjoyed a few ‘big stubbies’ (bloaters) at the Waipara Hotel before climbing aboard the vehicles to head back to ChCh. 
We ran in to a relation of our good friend Denis Kelly’s at the Waipara Hotel. Joshua Elwood and his mate Tony had been on a motorbike ride from Leithfield Beach.
Thanks to our ChCh family for a delicious meal hosted by Hail and Al tonight. We have been so well looked after during our time in ChCh and feel ready to take on the final part of our journey.
Signing off… Nick and Denis
Wow, just had a catch up on the BLOG. An amazing day with so much support up there. You seem to be a long way up the Island now!!! Away to Hanmer today so all go!
ReplyDeleteRaewyn
Hi Denis
ReplyDeleteJust back to work after walking the Milford Track, blisters 'n all. Beautiful scenery and good time albeit on pain killers. Good to know you are hanging in there and suggesting between the food, drink , vsits and accompanying people,acheiving Nick's objective. Enjoy the rest of the trip, c u soon
cheers Clive
Hi The Woodsys
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing journey so far. We have been impressed with the gutsy efforts of the boys but the organisation has been absolutely stupendous. Who gets the credit for that! Have a safe next few days and we look forward to a debrief in Invers soon.
love from The Kellys
Hi Denis & Nick
ReplyDeleteI am not having must success trying to post a comment to you, trying again for the third time!! Got a coffee for you this morning - had a very senior moment! Pleased to read it is all going very well. - we are missing you and look forward to hearing all details!
Take care, keep safe
Love Ginny
(You aren't missing too much here!!)
Awesome Awesome AWESOME!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you all!!! Nearly there boys and girls x
After being up country ourselves for ten days(not on bikes!) we have finally caught up with your progress. What a wonderful achievement so far - all just amazing. Well done and all the very best for the next few days.
ReplyDeleteDiane and John Mac