The night was incredibly cold. It was snowing with my brother in the hills, and under the bridge I was wearing every warm piece of clothing I had: a thermal, two jerseys, my down jacket and hat, and sleeping bag, and I was still cold. Brrrr! I kept on waking up with cold but I did get a good night sleep after all.
I was thinking of getting a warmer sleeping bag or taking more clothes but I believe that will be by far the coldest night I'll encounter.
The day was a nice sunny trip through very green Otago countryside, having crossed the border out of evil Southland.
More cows, sheep, and crops.
It was hot, about 26 degrees, and I stopped in at two farm houses to ask for drinking water. I drank 6 litres of water.
Both farmers were surprised but very happy to give me water. Most people are nice in person I guess.
There was a wonderful descent to Raes Junction, then to Beaumont where I crossed the ancient bridge, made of wood and iron... so tiny and rickety beside the huge sleek new concrete bridge.
It's amazing we still used the old bridge until last year.
I should have stopped here because I was feeling tired but I had arranged with friends to meet them in Lawrence and stay the night. Not a good move.
This is where I stopped having fun for the day.
It was a real grind down the Clutha cycle path. Hot and tired and sore bum.
Usually I cycle in silence listening to the birds and wind, but that afternoon I put on my music and ate lots of lollies and let the combination power me through the final hours. It was a bit grim.
Through a tunnel, which was cool and dark, so cool and delicious out of the sun.
Finally I rolled into Lawrence and staggered into my friend's house feeling like my legs were swollen and enormous, despite my legs looking the same as usual. My bum was so sore.
Despite my fatigue and aches I had a wonderful evening with friends.
However during my sleep that night I had terrible night sweats and fever, and went to the toilet to pee 6 or 7 times.
Perhaps it was something to do with not enough electrolytes? Or just not enough food?
I had a terrible sleep.
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