Nobody told me about the two steep hills out of Naseby – not the best way to start the day, but the heart was definitely started. Phew.
A bunch of about 15 motorcyclists went past early on, then the road was blocked by a herd of sheep. Of course it was, this is NZ.
After 17 kms and not much climbing, I came to Danseys Pass Hotel which was about to open. It was a perfect spot for lunch. A nice couple asked me to join them at their table – Jeff and Judy from Auckland. I had two pies which were absolutely sensational, and baked on the premises.
After that, it was all uphill on the local gravel road. There were some steep sections, but the scenery was amazing the whole way.
One guy in a car going the opposite way stopped to warn me that I had a long way to go and that it ‘got really rough up there. Thanks mate – wrong on both counts. I was only a couple of kms to the summit and the road surface became smoother as I went.
The summit was breathtaking. With a perfect, cloudless warm day, I could see down to the ocean. The valleys on the northern side of the pass were absolutely beautiful too, and I stopped frequently on the descent to take photos.
I’d read a blog by Dave Roe about a great camping spot a few kms after the summit, and I found it immediately.
Wow. This has to be the best camp I’ve ever had. It’s hidden from the road, grassy and beside a beautiful stream, … Amazing. Thanks Dave.
I washed and dried everything in the warm sun, then started preparing dinner before the mozzie attack. I was expecting to have to retreat to the tent pretty early tonight but it never came. I sat outside in the cool air reading, filtering water and typing this. What a day, a great ride and a superb campsite. I’ll sleep well.
