Day 20 - Coffee, Burgers, Music and Acrobats

Today we left the "hippy capital - Takaka" and rode 31.2km ride towards the Abel Tasman (stopping at the Pirate Espresso Ship [see below]). It was actually a really beautiful ride, nothing too strenuous, but just nice to be off the main drag and feel like we were doing some exploring along dirt tracks.

We arrived Totaranui (the starting point for the Abel Tasman Walk) where we had arranged to put our bikes on an Aqua Taxi and head over to Marahau. We figured it would be nice not to have to backtrack across Takaka hill, but try a different form of transport (bikes on boats) and get a look at some of the Abel Tasman National Park. And nice it was too.

The accommodation options are pretty limited at Marahau so we ended up staying in pre-erected tents at a camp ground. Entertainment options in Marahau are also pretty limited, but not without their charms. In fact, there is only one bar, but fortunately for us it was Open Music Night. We were entertained by the charms of "Melody" a hairy middle aged man who enjoyed gyrating his hips and banging out poor renditions of songs like "I come from a land down under" and the even more unbelievable "Pinball Wizard". Boy did he misjudge the crowd. :-) It was great for a laugh. During one of the later hippy performances a couple of girls called "The Twisted Sisters" got up and did some amazing acrobatics. Pretty fun night all up.

In Marahau there is an awesome collective of artists (mainly wood workers and sculptors) who run a small art gallery. Some really beautiful pieces. Here is a picture of one of the sculptures done in the side of a huge tree. We saw the most beautiful hand made rocking chair there. Done by a guy called David Hollidge. If you are in the market for a fine rocking chair, then check out "David Hollidge - Handmade Rocking Chairs - Marahau Valley, Rd2, Motueka, 03 527 8334".

Oh almost forgot to mention, we had dinner at a little hamburger caravan called "The Fat Tui". It was recommended to us by the captain of our Aqua Taxi. As Pete put it, "Just putting it out there - this is probably the best burger I've ever had.". Which started a conversation between us about how many things Pete had commented on as being the best or biggest or smallest or longest or widest or whatever since the beginning of our trip. In this case though, I'd have to concede even the vegie burger was probably the best vegie burger I'd ever had.

So we learnt a few things today:

1. Jacques Causteaus old ship, now does coffee
2. If you are going to do an open mic performance, know your audience
3. If you want (arguably) one of the best burgers you've ever had, go to "The Fat Tui" in Marahau
4. Always listen to advice and recommendations of locals

Stats:

• Distance - 31.2 (cycled) - unknown water distance
• Musical Generations Traversed - 30 years.