Andy is a super star. Over 6 hours of driving to pick me up and then the same back home. I drove one section and it was a long day for Andy.

The covid symptoms have been mainly coughing, congested and blocked sinuses and a very light fever – based on a few night sweats.

Andy had set me up well for recovery – 4 different types of cold and flu meds, Vicks 44 cough syrup, litres of orange juice and high strength vitamin C.

I don’t usually take any of this, however the cough syrup was very helpful during the worst of the coughing and the nurofen took the edge off feeling shite.

So very little to report apart from enforced rest. I am catching up on the unread book club books and have tried audiobooks as well. They take ages to get through – I listened to Jojo Moyes latest – Someone else’s shoes and it’s great. I will get a physical copy for book club. The unbelieved by Vikki Petraitis – also fantastic. Great Australian crime.

I have been reflecting on the experience of the Sounds to Sounds event. The event for me has been a reminder of the value of being out of your comfort zone. This is the first event I have done on my own, which is not at all a problem and adds to the experience as I got to interact as a solo traveller with lots of people. The TA trampers on the first night were fantastic to meet and I am in awe of what they are doing. 19 days is a blip compared to 6 months on the road. I am grateful for my fitness and fingers crossed it’ll still be mostly there unaffected by Covid once I am out of isolation. The biking itself, I was capable of doing it and I throughly enjoyed it. There is a peace in pedalling circles and a simplicity that for me is calming and restorative. I loved the navigation aspect and venturing into remote areas. I enjoyed seeing how close areas were to each other – completely different experience once off the main roads. Superb to use the cycle trails and see firsthand how lucky we are to have these opportunities to explore on our doorstep. I loved the gravel roads – even the wet muddy gritty ones that threatened to wreak havoc with my chain.

Things to change for next time, not a lot really. More being out of my comfort zone is a good thing – so saying yes to more adventures is in my future. Gear- wise – it all worked beautifully. I would add a pair of knee warmers as had not thought about cold mornings and the one layer of Lycra shorts not quite being enough. The sun sleeves – definitely a required item – saved me from being burnt. The cycology ones worked really well – despite being a thicker fabric were cool enough and I did not overheat.

Merino – I think you can never have enough merino. My merino socks kept the feet warm (and cool) and my two Mons Royale merino tops were the same. Did not overheat and warm as needed. smart wool hat and neck wrap – only used twice but so good to have them at hand.

Ground Effect rain gear – worked so well. A hood is a necessity (if the weather is bad enough to wear full rain gear – then the hood will be up). I used my She Shell jacket with hood and I would carry that jacket again.

Accomodation providers – I booked all sorts of accommodation on purpose to add the adventure. I can recommend Mistletoe Bay eco village. I stayed in Vogel house – sharing with 7 trampers and it was nestled in the bush and very quiet. It was an wooden cottage – 2 rooms. I had a swim off the jetty, checked out glow worms at night and it was cool to stay on the Queen Charlotte track. They have cabins too – next time I would book one of those. Closer to the water 🙂

Bentley Country stay – so cool – a wee apartment on a farm. Quiet, great view of the stars.

Queenette Oxford backpackers – great value for money and a tiny room that had everything I needed. Clean, great shower, superb.

Holiday park cabins – spring creek Blenheim and Lake Edge Tekapo – both superb. Clean, quiet, towels provided. Would stay there again happily.

Lake Ohau Lodge – no question – going back. Dinner, breakfast, ambience, location. A real treat and Andy has not biked the Alps to Ocean trail. easy biking so a low-stress holiday for us.

Empty nest – Geraldine. A studio in the garden. An quiet oasis and next to the Parkside store (easy top up of food). Mt Hutt Lodge – quirky, fun and very comfortable bed.

The Inlet – Bannockburn- my only Airbnb and my final stop. Absolutely superb and I am going back when I am well. Barry and Kerry could not have been better hosts and the apartment/ unit was beautiful.

Crows Nest – Oturehua- quirky, fab and so comfortable- cabin that overlooked paddocks – quiet. Great value. Upcot station shearer’s quarters – amazing. Mel did a great job of organising food and accommodation for the S2S riders and so great for us to be able to experience staying on a station.

Thanks to the Sounds to Sounds organisers – The Kennett brothers, Erik Westra, Maprogress – a truly excellent route and amazing experience.