Chronic Negress

‘ve been home now for about a week and still am not sure whether my body and brain are working in concert. But any account of this trip would be incomplete without sketches of some of the people we met.

First, Kathryn and the women of Rakaia Gorge smoking and chatting about American political foibles. Best overheard new nickname: Condescending Rice.

Claire at the Dunstan House in Clyde, cheerful and enraptured recalling a trip she andher daughter won to NYC : “The Steam really does come out of the streets.”

Linda’s shock upon realizing that testosterone would not have an immediate effect on her cycling. Linda was one of our hardy group of seven.

Rebecca’s ministrations to Lieneke’s aching back, her superior cycling prowess and her great curly red hair.

John, Rebecca’s Dad, who is a fitness role model even though he has 20 years on me. I can still see the old Queensland fire fighter tearing up as he recounted his joy in sharing his vacation with his daughter.

Bas, Lieneke’s partner in guiding and in life, who always put me on the right road. Give the pair props for respectfully arguing in Dutch in front of the rest of us, giving us an incentive to take up the study of Dutch.

Bob and Mary Jo, a couple to admire for their fitness and their ease with each other. Mary Jo took delight in much and reminded me to do the same. Bob, I hope you have been reunited with your camera.

There was one couple I kept running into on the rail trail and off who seemed to be having almost a good a time as we were.

I also salute the woman who let me clean up my road rash with some of her water. The Kiwis are the best.