Day 147: Invercargill to Bluff and Back (2964-3000!!, bike)

Tuesday, April 25

I woke at seven because I couldn't sleep in any later. There was a cafe at the hostel, so I went there. Around 8 I went back to the room and got mostly ready for a day of biking. We ate breakfast and I got a postcard at the front desk from Sam and Lauren. They sent so many postcards, they have been such a treat to get. I've saved them all.

We left Invercargill, on bike, around 9:30. Marjolein has been biking since she hurt her foot about a month ago and she's so fast!

A little before noon we made it to Bluff and Sterling Point. We biked by some people lingering from an ANZAC parade. Today was ANZAC (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) Day.

It was so exciting to get to the end of the trail! Marjolein and I each had a celebration baby champagne and she had gotten me a baby whiskey too. She knows me so well!

We ate our packed lunches and a nice woman from Texas took photos of us with the sign.

After our celebration photos we biked to the Eagle Hotel to get a beer and some wedges. We were there a bit before they opened, so I walked over to the hostel in Bluff I had originally planned at staying at tonight. Sam and Lauren had sent a postcard there and I really wanted it. The owners were so kind and gave it to me.

When I got back to the bar, we ordered drinks. The bar tender and employees were really fun to talk to. Marjolein had gone there after she made it to Bluff a few days ago. After two orders of wedges and a delicious cookie, we started to bike back to Invercargill. It was about 3.

On the way back, I was so slow compared to Marjolein. My legs and butt were really tired. My muscles were used to walking, not biking. I had to set the bike a gear or two lower than I did on the way to Bluff.

When we got back to Invercargill, we went to The Zookeepers, a really fun cafe. Marjolein always knows how to find the best coffee shops. After some coffee and snacks we went back to the hostel and ate some of the delicious potatoes from last night. Spencer was in the kitchen, so I said hello. It was fun seeing TA people at the hostel. Noemi was there too!

After dinner, Marjolein and I walked across the street to the movie theater. We wanted to see Guardians 2, but it was sold out. We got tickets for a later showing and went to an Irish Pub to kill an hour before the movie. It was a cute place.

When the movie was over we saw Spencer and Shaida. A group of TAers were going out, but we were pretty tired. We'd biked 60-kilometers today, so we went to bed. It was a great last day on the TA!