Beautiful Canterbury

Made it down to Leathfield yesterday its about 16 miles from Christchurch city, where they had another 4.1 earthquake yesterday morning when the Prime Minister was visiting, ironic really. I  decided to check out the beach campground. So pleased I did its great.

Anyway I last blogged as I was leaving Kaikoura in the rain. You see its not all sun , sun here although it is meant to be summer!
It was a hard, hard day, although the rain stopped by lunchtime . The Hunderlees hill range climbs for about 10 kms and I found it difficult. Anyway got to Cheviot , didn't like the look of  campground so struggled on to the Hurunuhi river and wild camped there. Nice!
Awoke Thursday to slight overcast , but the day soon settled into a scorcher. The ride down the Greta Valley was superb. Stopped in the Greta village for a second breakfast, found a lovely new cafe , only.been open 6 weeks according to the lady owner. I met 4 English tourists who when they saw my cycling top with BBC Hfd @ Worc started chatting. I shared a table with them and we swopped experiences. Great people and Keith one of the guys insisted on giving me $20 for St Richards. When the cafe owner heard this she added $10 out of the till. It was a great breakfast too, eggs on toast with bacon. I was almost tempted by the local delicacy of.mince on toast, but decided better of it!
I'm having a rest day today, this cyclings hard work you know, and as my tent is pitched under a pine tree in the edge of a amazing beach it seemed a good idea.
It's very hot today , about 27 deg with a slight breeze off the sea.
The local paper is full of Earthquake stuff as its the 12 month anniversary next week.
I have been talking to some locals here and while no mention is made in UK papers they are still suffering hugely. The lady cleaner has lost her house and is living here in a caravan, several houses around here sufferred damage as well. It's heartbreaking to see it.
Better get on got a lunch to prepare.

Until next time.