Yay: Pete came out from Rotorua to say hi, very cheering! Felt better after lunch, mostly. Lots of great drivers on highway stretch to Murupara inclusion all the big trucks. Awesome whirinaki forest, loved it, even though destroyed by that point. Finding somewhere to stay in Ruatahuna thanks to lovely Garry and Maling (west bound) letting me share their cabin, great to hear their stories.
Boo: headwind though at least the southerly kept it cool. Sore bottom sore right leg sore back, choose two and adjust saddle to suit. Saddle may soon be former saddle. Waikato river trail continued to deliver aggravation, setting the scene for a very slow morning.