Arrived Saturday evening after picking boys up at their regatta and then a 2 hour drive through Rotorua and into the forests of the Wharinaki. Largest forest of Podocarps in NZ I was told. A podocarp is the variety of native trees in this country--trees like the Rimu, Matai, Totara, and others. My friend Santi and I had planned to take the boys out for a mtn bike adventure, especially since Jack and Noah had not been on any long distance ride. She had reserved us a cabin to stay in Sat night outside of Marapuru. Called the Jailhouse, it was small thing but enough so we could cook up dinner, boys could hang out and we adults could share a bit before bed. So all together we were me, Jack, Noah, Santi, her husband, Laurie, their older son, Hemi, and Santi's friend Pic.
By 6 Sunday morning, we were up and water was boiling for tea.
Soon breakfast and lunches were made, boys were grumpily climbing out of bed and soon bikes were loaded onto the trailer.
We were driven to the trail head of the Moerangi Bike Track. Known for its unique forest and a long 9 km descent at the end, we saddled up the bikes and we were off. Boys taking the lead not thwarted by the uphills. The track took us over bridges, through fern tree stands, past three huts, up hills and down some "epic" downhills. On the final descent , Jack took a bit of a fall over the edge of a steep slope, over handlebars and into the bush. I came along just in time to see him free himself from the trees below. Phew. All limbs intact.
At days's end we had reached our goal, finished the track, and everyone had a great time! Drive home with a stop for dinner in Rotorua, and another journey safely over. Maggie and Jamey stayed home while we ventured out, and had their own level of fun with artsy projects and kitten duty.
Hard to believe we are already 6 months through this journey!!!
Tied up and ready to go
Long day at work today after yesterday's adventure. Jack was smart and stayed home!
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