Distance:85.15 km
Time: 5h04
AVG speed:16.75 km/h
Max speed: 53.18 km/h

Total distance: 636.49KM

The day started early, 5:35am I opened my eyes and it was still very dark so I decided to fall back asleep. When I opened my eyes again around 6:10am the sky started to turn red. The sun was coming! It’s been hard to get out of the hammock this morning as my body is physically tired and still not used to ride those kilo-meters every day.

But I have a new camera to try and this is a great opportunity! Setting up everything before the sun rises and being ready for it. First of all, I decided to try the wifi remote on the phone and it’s definitely a great option!! It’s like having a wireless remote with the integrated screen of the camera right in your hand!

Making the creation of portraits like the one below much easier than before!

Sunrise at Kaikoura!

Sunrise at Kaikoura!

I will write a review of the Fuji film X-T1 soon but i’m still learning to know it as it is totally different from my Canon 5D Mark III. At the beginning I was really not sure about my choice but i’m starting to love it and it fit in my handle bar pannier so it’s perfect to get a photograph quickly when on the bike!

After this series I’ve set up a time lapse of the sunrise that you’ll find on the first video… released soon!!

Recharging the batteries before to hit the road again!

Alternative energy to recharge the batteries

Alternative energy to recharge the batteries

My goal today is to reach Blenheim! 120km from Kaikoura. I’m starting early so I can make it not too late. I’m riding a good pace of 20.80 km/h in average even with small hills. I’m feeling good it’s a warm day but it will do it!

The landscape here is just stunning! Wanaka is between a lake and moutains, Kaikoura is between ocean and mountains! When I’ll be back in New Zealand I will definitely plan a few weeks exploring this area and especially Mt Fyffe!

Typically New Zealand!

Typically New Zealand!

On the road there is a lot of seals colony and I know a great spot with no tourists to can approach them but as I park my bike by the access to the spot, I realise that the cliff collapsed and the access is now more tricky than it was before… I made it anyway and go to say hi to those big lazy boys. This time they let me approach very close without being annoyed. It’s great as still just have a 16-55mm lens for my camera.

Curious seal

Curious seal

Tired seal

Tired seal

I keep going until 70km without any problems then the head wind started to slow me down. In addition to this head wind, a lot of big hills to climb, I push the most I can but even in down hills I have to pedal to reach 15 km/h… after 15km to push and fight against the wind I realise that my only solution is to give up my goal and find a spot to spend the night because I’m totally out of energy. I’ve rarely felt like this before. I find a hill and doesn’t even have the power to set up my tent. I will sleep straight from the ground.

The view from my camping spot

The view from my camping spot

Camping set-up: no set up...

Camping set-up: no set up…

After a great night in that (too) warm sleeping bag that I used for more than two years now I will take a lot of time to go back on the bike.  I don’t have any energy anymore and not really food neither…

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