Entering wine country. Martinborough has a quite unique street pattern in the centre – inspired by the Union Jack. It’s surrounded by 20+ vineyards, some for tasty wine (I’m reliably informed – it’s white so what do I know even if I could drink it).
A very rural day. Leaving Palmy (as that’s easier to write) the unforecasted rain started and kept up in increasing intensity for the next 48k. Which happily coincided with a cafe stop. One main hill today – as it was raining I couldn’t see it, just felt it!
Then a lovely bit through farm lands surrounded by hills reminscent of the Scottish Borders. Happily there was a scarecrow competition (or what is left of them).
Sign of the day – which I only thought about afterwards was a large board outside a primary school. “HIGH ACHIEVEMENT NEEDS SACRIFICE”. Bit of tough love there. “Sorry Johnny, you are the weakest link – BANG – now the rest of you, pay attention”. Who needs corporal punishment with this approach – maybe it’s only one sacrifice a term to keep the kids alert.
Tomorrow a railtrail to Wellington and the last ride on the lovely North Island.
Travelling reflections 