19 August 2008

Day Two: Pokeno to Huntly

After a mountain of pasta for dinner last night and a solid eight hours of shut eye, I woke this morning feeling fit and ready to go. We had a slightly later start today from Pokeno leaving yesterday’s finish line at 9am this morning.

The current Black Caps Captain and my good friend, Daniel Vettori joined me this morning for a few hours to help get me going on what would be a long second day. With our first day rounding out at 21km….41km seemed a little daunting, but once we were on our way we found our rhythm and got through the day.

We faced our first piece of weather just after the one hour mark with heavy showers washing in and out throughout the day. (We even managed a little Forest Gump “sideways” rain, which we thought may test our North Face gear….however it passed with glowing colours.

Due to today’s route directly up State Highway One, it was a little tougher for people to come out and see us pass by, however we had plenty of support on the horns of passing vehicles, as well as the trains that ran parallel and we even had jersey cows run to the fence to wish us well.

Once we arrived in Huntley the main street was buzzing with activity and we had several wonderful people generously donate in our buckets. The state highway patrol looked after us all day and helped to raise the alarm and get people out to see us as we came through the town.

It will be another early night tonight, a visit to my physiotherapist and a bite to eat and I will be tucked up in bed. Looking forward to another great day tomorrow!

CC

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