New Plymouth Next – by bus

July 4

I wake up early and stepp right away into the shower. Then I take my bag and panniers and fo down to kitchen. Only one “early morning lovers” backpacker sits at the table.

Eating my breakfast and at same time google Internet. Today I decided to join the bus up to New Plymouth. The bus leavs 9,50 am so I’ve do not hurry

Takes no more then ten minutes to cycle to trainstation from where the bus depart. I unpack the bike and loosen the wheels, herad from others that busdrives like that.

The bus arrives early, 25 minutes before departure, and we leave Wellington on time. The journey follows the west coast up to Palmerston North for a driver change. I have time to buy a coffee in the café next to the bus station.

We arrived on time, and while I was packing my bicycle, I struck up a conversation with another traveler, an Englishman named Roy. Curious about my trip, he invited me for a beer at the bar across the street.
Soon after, Rhys and Diana showed up on their bikes, just as they had promised yesterday. We all sat down to chat, and Roy and I toasted with our beers. Encounters like that stay with you, and just seeing Rhys’ smile and hearing his voice filled me with excitement.

Roy guided me through town and said after a while…
– I show you a roundabout way, scenic path through the Pukekta park

and what a way then…!!

It’s like cycling through a rainforest, with narrow paths winding over gravel and pavement, and a small creek flowing alongside. Every path has a name and signposted.

There are playgrounds for the kids, large green spaces, tea houses, small red bridges, cricket pitches, waterfalls, large greenhouse to visit and everywhere benches for rest or just to sit down and marvel at the natural beauty.

The entired park is 128 acre or about 52 hectares. Rhys and Dianas house lies very close to the park. After 25 minutes cycling we arribe to their house through a clearing in the forest and surrounded by large trees and bushes

A very nice and cozy place with a large green lawn and abundant plants, offering the unique experience of living closer to wild nature right in the middle of town.

Seea Yeah Later
//P-G
The Global Cyclist 1726