NZ Day 4

My Mecca

I woke up to a sunny and hot day again. AWESOME! Today is all about ME. YOU missed out on EVERYTHING! sigh. I can't take you anywhere it seems.

Today was a gorgeous day. I met a lovely kiwi woman and her daughter this morning. We chatted up while I was loading the bike. (THAT always happens, its like an invitation to talk to me) But its all good! She was from Auckland and we talked for a few mins about things. She was super nice as all kiwis I've met so far are. I still can't get used to being called "mate." her daughter loved my tattoos and the lady (I never got her name) thought it was so cool that i was motorbiking her wonderful country. (as most kiwi's say to me)

Today's ride took us thru the Corromandel Peninsula. It's known as a bikers dream, and was absolutley stunning. We rode 180 miles through never-ending twists and turns. super tight corners all while being surrounded by beautiful oceans to our left and majestic mountains on the right.

I managed to find myself my new home. It was this awesome cove paradise right on the ocean near a place called Kuaotunu. I took more pictures of it then any place yet. (check the pics) vids coming soon. Today granted us the ocean beach paradise I was missing from yesterday. It was stunning. I wish I could have set up a tent there and spent the night. Maybe I could have. maybe it's time to go back. hmmmm.

Al, buddy....you would have LOVED riding today. Best ride I think I ever had.

Moving on... We had lunch at a cool little roadside pub/resteraunt. I ordered the cheeseburger, complete with shaved carrots. weird, but tasty. YOU would have ordered the fish I think. Did you notice the HUGE stage around back for bands to play? Only in the summer the bartender told me. Perhaps I should have given her a CD to book Splinter there next year.... 2 reasons to go back now! We'll all party at the gig then sleep in my new found beach mecca. Everyone bring your own tent! The next morning we'll build a wawa, and sell tastykakes and shorties.

Tonight's stop off is another holiday park. I didnt even notice when booking , that I booked three of these in a row. This one is a tad nicer than the last. nice room. shared facililities again. no big deal. and another nice natural hot thermal pool. This one had 3 actually. Hot, Hotter, and OUCH! I tried all 3 of course. what a great way to end a day of riding. I hope Ashley and I get to do this when she gets out here, she'll love it.

Tomorrow, I get to take in, or TRY to take in my first tourist trap. Hobbiton!!!! it's in matamata where the shire is still there from the Lord of the rings movie. Of course, its NOT free, and costs over $40 to see with a guided tour. BUMMER DUDE! Im going to stop. its not every day I get to see an actual part from the LOTR movie. EPIC! If I can fit the tour in time-wise tomorrow, then Its on! Tomorrow might be rainy though, so we'll see. No rain today, just gorgeous skies all day!

We end tonight at a cool little resteraunt/cafe overlooking the bay at Omokoroa beach. Its pretty sweet, and I even opted for the ravioli stuffed with smoked salmon over a pizza. Ate a nice salad that was mostly veggies too. My girl would be proud! So far the best meal I had yet.(3-1 if you're keeping score at home)

So tomorrow we ride west to Matamata and south to Rotorua and then back east to the shores of Opotiki. Great names these kiwi's have here, Im guessing they're all Maori. By the way, I also found out from the nice lady this morning, that Kiwi's (the bird) are nocturnal and only come out at night, and that our best chance of seeing one is at a zoo...go figure!

peace out amigos!