Meandering around Te Ika-a-Māui, New Zealand's North Island in early 2020

[IaninSheffield]

Just back from an enjoyable run in the snow where here, to the southwest of Sheffield, we’ve had 8 - 10cm. If the same weather had been prevailing at this time last year, deciding the best running shoes for the conditions would not have been a priority … or even a possibility. As tap on my keyboard, at precisely this time last year, my view was rather different:

… as I began this adventure, touring New Zealand’s North Island.

At this time of year if you need to travel across the Pennines to Manchester, thereby negotiating either the Snake or Woodhead pass, it’s always wise to have a Plan B. If the forecast then had been similar to that which we’ve had for the past few days, I planned to travel across the night before and stop in a hotel. I was lucky, didn’t need to resort to the backup and my big adventure got underway with the minimum of fuss.

I think I’m going to return to this journal over the next few weeks, perhaps reading each post on the same dates as they occurred last year. It’s not like I’ve much else to do! It was just after returning from that tour that everything closed down, and like most other fellow CCers, all my touring plans were put on hold where they’ve remained since. Hopefully this time next year I’ll be able to pull them out, give them a good dusting down, and head out once more, snow or not. 🤞

 

[jay clock]

THANKS Iain, just finished reading it fully and you did a lot of what I did 12 years ago. you got it in just in time for lockdown.

Tentwise those pyramid tents seem to have loads of weaknesses. Half sized inner, heavy, need full pegging out. I have an MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 person which is worth a look - see here https://www.msrgear.com/ie/tents/ba...hubba-nx-2-person-backpacking-tent/06204.html and the blog where I first used it here https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=2sf&doc_id=20340&v=tI

 

[IaninSheffield]

THANKS Iain, just finished reading it fully and you did a lot of what I did 12 years ago. you got it in just in time for lockdown.

Tentwise those pyramid tents seem to have loads of weaknesses. Half sized inner, heavy, need full pegging out. I have an MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 person which is worth a look - see here https://www.msrgear.com/ie/tents/ba...hubba-nx-2-person-backpacking-tent/06204.html and the blog where I first used it here https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=2sf&doc_id=20340&v=tI

Yep, definitely lucky with timing, Julian.
I hear and share your concerns about the pyramid-style tents, although they're not all heavy - example. That said, the Hubba is definitely on my radar; being free-standing offers more options I think. And thanks for the pointer to your trans-am. That'll keep me entertained for a while 👍

[Edit for update]
Oo, and just revisited your NZ journal. I remember reading it when looking for tips whilst planning my own tour. Good to revisit some of your experiences in the light of my own. We seem to have taken a few photos from pretty much the same viewpoints.