2.11.13. What should be happening in Tapawera today but the annual show? Not to be missed. So after investigating the local museum (the size of a bus shelter) off we went to the show. First off was a sheep shearing demo with both electric razor and shears. Alongside this was wool spinning and Ian couldn't resist trying his hand at this. The fruits of his labours were later deposited - no luggage space. Then came the dog with the loudest bark contest!!, wood chopping, pet fancy dress and so much more. 

Then to the real issue of crossing the mountains. It was a lovely spring morning - the sun was shining, the birds were singing and, yes, the wind was blowing. Today was our hardest struggle ever - we crawled at snail's pace just 34 miles. Is there no end to this wind? I reckon that 95% of the 837 miles we have now done has been head on into the wind - no joke. I'm beginning to think it will be like this all the way, in which case we will return with Herculean quads!!! This level of wind literally halves our travelling speed and makes temperature regulation really tricky. We arrived in Saint Arnaud (Nelson Lakes National Park) totally spent. After tea and showers we used our last ounce of energy to walk the riverside bush walk to the lake. Now we know why we have made such an effort to get here. It is awesome - to use the local vernacular.

Tapawera museum

Production line sheep to wooly hat in 4 hours

 

Manual shearing

Dog with the loudest bark!

Wood chopping competition

Crossing the Motueka river

bush walk from motel to lake

Arriving at lake

Worth the effort