I start fresh but did not get far, after few kilometres my new tube blows again! I am trying to patch it, loosing an hour and giving this idea by putting an old tube on. For a moment I was wondering if I should go back to the camping for it was already 11 a.m. and normally after 1-2 p.m. the wind starts to blow.

I climb slowly stopping quite often either to rest or enjoy the scenery. I have already entered Mount Aspiring National Park. In 200-300 meters long jumps I reach the pass!

The Pass is at the same time a border between Otago and Westland.

When I was already down, almost at the see level, the road changed. On both sides had rain forest so dense that you wouldn't be able to walk into. Mosses dangling from the trees, simply awesome.

I am very tired and bitten by sandflies all over my legs and hands. Thought to take a day of rest tomorrow but Haast is no good for this. All in all perhaps 10 houses. I set up the tent and keep thinking. Extremely hot.

I meet bikers from Oregon and Kiwi couple and we have few beers.

Distance - 86.23 km; Average speed - 16.86 km/h