Got caught in two torrential downpours... and still loving it!

A 3-4 hour ride turned into over 8 hours of riding today. Made it to a hostel shivering, soaked, and ELATED about such an epic and wondrous experience. Well over 200k in, with only 800 to go! 

Nice fishing spot

Lovers quarrel over how big that fish really is

3 hours in.. Can I just lay here for a while?

Just got bum directions that turned 4hrs of riding into over 8. It better be beautiful!

Still beautiful!

Ode to the fallen ones... as logging is everywhere.

Leaving the Firth (bay) of Thames.. You can almost see Auckland in the Distance

Nice spot nestled in the woods

Most northern village on the Coromandel peninsula

Bring it on!

Getting closer? Or is just an illusion?

Here come the 1st of 2 torrential downpours. Totally soaked!

Reached the highest crest of the day.. Whew!

Red flowers begin to brighten up the landscape

New bioregion.. beautiful ferns and mangroves

Lush spot

Picturesque

A farming and grazing dream land

The sheep drastically outnumber people up here.  Cold.. bit lonely.. Ewe! ;) 

Meditation center ahead..

Did I say I love it here?

Final descent into Coromandel area

Finding salvation... as I'm almost (2 hours left) there. Whew!