the route

Saturday, March 22

Waipukurau to Napier. Dry today (but, as I sit here writing, it is beginning to rain). This morning the hills for miles in every direction were criss-crossed by strange grooves -- the pathways left behind by the ravenous herds of sheep and cattle. At one point today we came upon one such pack of cattle being herded up the road. The rancher attending to the herd threw us in the back of her truck (with three large dogs) and drove us to the other side of the herd -- avoiding the possibility that we would become roadkill. Actually, though, I think she was less concerned for out safety than the trauma we might inflict on her "girls."

It was fascinating to watch the rancher's dogs shape and control the herd -- prompted by only a few sharp commands. On to Napier. Napier presents quite a contrast ot the farmland we have been riding through for the past few days. The city has a very Mediterranean feel, enhanced by (or resulting from) the fact that much of the architecture is of the Art Deco period (an earthquake and fire in 1931 destroyed most of Napier's older brick buildings). The coastal atmosphere of Napier along with its art deco style, really sets it apart from the rest. Not to mention the miles and miles of fruit trees surrounding the town. So if you enjoy fresh fruit from streetside stands -- a visit to Napier is a must.

See the map for this day

Saturday, March 22
	Waipukurau to Napier. Dry today (but, as I sit here writing, it is beginning to rain). This morning the hills for miles in every direction were criss-crossed by strange grooves -- the pathways left behind by the ravenous herds of sheep and cattle. At one point today we came upon one such pack of cattle being herded up the road. The rancher attending to the herd threw us in the back of her truck (with three large dogs) and drove us to the other side of the herd -- avoiding the possibility that we would become roadkill. Actually, though, I think she was less concerned for out safety than the trauma we might inflict on her "girls."
It was fascinating to watch the rancher's dogs shape and control the herd -- prompted by only a few sharp commands. On to Napier. Napier presents quite a contrast ot the farmland we have been riding through for the past few days. The city has a very Mediterranean feel, enhanced by (or resulting from) the fact that much of the architecture is of the Art Deco period (an earthquake and fire in 1931 destroyed most of Napier's older brick buildings). The coastal atmosphere of Napier along with its art deco style, really sets it apart from the rest. Not to mention the miles and miles of fruit trees surrounding the town. So if you enjoy fresh fruit from streetside stands -- a visit to Napier is a must.