Another rainy day. But it's only 30 miles to the next place, Wanaka. My waterproof pants aren't very waterproof so I'm waiting until the Cromwell bike store opens to see what they have before setting off. There doesn't seem to be WiFi in this town, and I'm filling time with the local newspaper.
Since the wind is not too strong and is behind me, I'm trying out my Chinese cycle cape, which I haven't used up to now. It seems to work well keeping me dry and less sweaty than waterproof jacket and pants. The ride is alongside the lake formed when Cromwell was flooded. There are some vineyards and cherry and other fruit orchards. Under the cape I'm in my own little warm cocoon drifting through the steady but light rain.
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| Cottage, Luggate |
The only village on the way is Luggate. There's a nice looking old hotel (pub) - 1867 it says - so I stop for lunch. Inside is sparse but homely with stone walls and slab floor, and a log fire burning. A bunch of six locals are drinking beer at the bar, and a couple of tourist families are having lunch. I have game pie, which is very good. I think I'm eating too much on this trip, but it's good to sit in the warm, and there aren't other places to stop.
Finally a pretty town! Wanaka is draped around the head of the namesake lake with views of the mountains, today with their heads in the clouds. There's very light rain, but it's quite bright and cheerful. Lots of trees and gardens, and buildings that look like someone cares how they look, give the town a feeling of not just hanging in there like many of the other places I've passed through. It's a tourist place of course. Most seem to be from Europe to judge from the conversations walking by.
