One way to dodge a storm is to get up really early before it hits, ride a tandem on old highways, even if it is only for 20 minutes and pedal your hearts out to beat it over the ranges between Picton and Nelson.
Yep, Jonathan and Bronnie were on their way to Rameka from Wellington, trying to dodge an epic storm that took out power in Rai Valley and Havelock. There was actually only one really scary bit heading up to Rai Saddle when the wind funnelled down a side gully and threatened to push the tandem down a bluff. Thank goodness for roadside barriers is all this scribe can say!
The next battle took place a day later against the barberry at Rameka. A new technique on this plot is to see what happens if we cut 70% of the stems and leave them in situ. We’re hoping the shade levels will change slowly in the native seedlings favour.
A final act before heading back to Nelson, saw Murray install one of his handmade weta hotels – photos will follow when guests have booked in.