Day Eleven - Lake Ohau to Oturehua

Up for breakfast punctually for 7:30am start, although this wasn't a mandatory requirement, but we did want to try to get away as early as possible. It did seem we were still suffering from our tardiness the night before, as we were last to get our cooked breakfast, perhaps it's was the gluten free option, as there also seems to be an issue creating our packed lunches.

We didn't manage to leave to lodge until after 9am.

There has been some discussion about the big climb out from the lodge with a group of Australians doing the Alps to Ocean (A2O) which we follow for the first part of the day.

It was the best climb so far, a steady reasonable gradient traversing the hill behind the lodge, with epic views over the lake. As we ascended the clouds cleared and the day warmed quickly.

After we reached to top we had a great downhill through the valley. 

We pass a hut offering drinks, ice creams, etc.. turned out to be a empty hut with vending machines..

We stopped for lunch to fuel up for what we knew was going to be a grueling climb over the omarama saddle. 

It started with a long straight gravel road, climbing steadily to a carpark. The temperature was rising, 30+. We soaked ourselves in a river before heading on and up.

As we reached the base of the climb it was clear we would not be cycling, it was a rough track, cutout with no clear line to follow. James gave it a good go, managing about 150m before accepting defeat. Meanwhile Amanda and I accepted our feat at the bottom and walked the bike up the 600m accent. It was certainly not a highlight of the trip.

We eventually made it to a point we could cycling again for the last push to the saddle. On the way we found a tiny mountain spring and poured feezing cold water over our heads and down our spins to cool off. Beautiful. 

The other side was also a bit of a nightmare, rocky track and countless river crossings.

I was totally over the river and the bikes were not happy either.

It was nearing 9pm and the sun was setting quickly as we powered on into Oturehua.

We headed for the railway hotel in the hope is was open, unfortunately it and the general store across the road was all closed up. As if hy magic people appeared offering to open up the store and provide beer. Also informing us Tony from the Airbnb had been in to buy some pies for us, realizing we would be late for dinner.

We enjoyed a large beer (2 ciders for james) with the pub owners talking about the sex pistols and stiff little fingers, as well as the famous people who frequented the pub.

Off to be bach to meet Tony, feed and bed.

Another long but rewarding day on the bikes.