Another spectacular day greeted us this morning as we got up at the crack of dawn. The past two days saw us getting on the road far too late, and all of us suffering in the heat because of it. Today would be different. We were motivated to get onto the road by 6:30am at the latest; two hours after daybreak.
We were on the road at 6:30am, and loving it. First thing was a stiff 30 minute climb. But what goes up must come down. The road we were on got the climbing well and truly over and done with within about a few kms, and the following 10km or so was a beautiful gradual downhill through lush fields and forests.
This road cut across a small section of the Shakotan Peninsula. When we got back to the coast on the other side of the peninsula we found much less traffic than previous days, and a more pleasant coastal scenery. Blue skies and blue waters.
The coastal scenery was punctuated once again by tunnels. Some as long as 2km. They were in much better condition than some on previous days, however, most with wide sidewalks.
For lunch, we had a selection of breads and eggs left over from yesterday. We found a nice looking boat ramp down to the waters edge where we stopped for a bite to eat. This is where we really got to know the true annoyance of abu bees (horseflies). They would not let us alone for even a moment, so we took to the water, trying to escape. ‘Twas a great way to cool off too 🙂
Haidee, relatively new to cycle touring (as were Rowland and Alicia), seems to have taken to the mode of transport well, looking stunning as ever even after three days cycling without a proper shower. She has, however, developed a niggling sore shoulder on her right side, which is a little bothersome. Perhaps a pannier weight imbalance?
The four of us arrived at our final destination for the day at around 1pm. Check-in to the campground (Kamoenai Campground) was from 2pm, and there was absolutely no getting in early (even though there were no other guests). But we made the most of the time by searching out a secret swimming spot; a frigidly cold mountain stream.
When we did get let into the campsite, we set up quickly and set about cooking dinner; curry and rice. Eaten while trying to keep the buzzing abu at bay.
