Achieved at last

A very fresh start to the day and the windows in the van were as wet as we had ever had them. I guess we should stop breathing at night 😱. The morning shower was quick and getting dressed was even quicker!
We went into town to get diesel ⛽️ and find a dump site. It was a handy one to use but has been rather abused during its life time.
After this we went back to the sports ground and off loaded the Tour guide's bike. The only section of the Hauraki Rail Trail which we had not done was the one from Thames to Waitakaruru and that was the goal for Sharon at least. She set off by bike and I did the descent thing and took the van to Waitakaruru. If I didn't do that, she would have had to cycle all the way back (37kms each way). However, I was not let off completely because I then cycled back towards Thames to meet her. We met up at Pipiroa.
It was a perfect day for cycling as there was no wind and the sun was shining. It was a beautiful blue sky day although there were some whispy clouds about.
Just before getting to the van, and where the trail came out to the road, the Tour guide noticed a bakery. A very large, well stocked bakery, so we felt obliged to support the local economy 😀. It could only survive by passing traffic and I suspect hungry truckies because of the huge variety of food and the quantity.
We then headed to Kaiaua where we got parking at a freedom site. We are right on the waters edge (Firth of Thames) listening to the water lapping on the shore. It is truly a 'magical' site with the sun 🌞 shining and reflecting off the water. The plan is to remain here for two nights before heading further north.Read more