As I’m typing, I’m still under the adrenaline rush.
Of all amazing things I’ve had the opportunity to experience in New Zealand, this probably has been my favorite so far. The combination of a cloudy, mildly fresh —but not too cool— day; gorgeous, raw, rural landscape, and the beloved —and by this point much needed— physical sensation of exercising was so rewarding, so fulfilling, I was ecstatic.
We left Lauder to cycle all the way back to Wedderburn. What awaited us? Never-ending prairies of all imaginable nuances of golds and browns, flowers of beautiful, bright colors setting a strong contrast against the pale vegetation and the grey sky. On both sides of the dirt road, countless sheep and cows feeing on the exuberant grass —they occasionally lifted their heads to set their curious eyes on us as we circled through—, the sporadic sight of a jackrabbit hopping ahead on the road, and beautiful birds (according to my field guide to the wildlife of New Zealand, probably many of them yellowhammers).
No cars, no buildings, no artificial sounds or other people in sight to distract us from absorbing the essence of the Otago region through all senses.
It was 35 km of nourishment for the soul, and I could have kept going for many, many more.
PS.: I didn’t think the day could get any better, but then a ladybug just landed on my arm.
