OVER HILL AND UNDER HILL

I feel like this is too early in my blog to be using this title, as I will probably be doing a lot more of over and under "hills" as my time here progresses, but there really wasn't any other more appropriate title. My ride to Masterton was spectacular. The day I arrived was sunny, so the visibility was good as we traveled through the mountain ranges between Wellington and Masterton. It is in between the Rimutaka and Tararua Ranges, and is called the Rimutaka Hill Rd. It actually reminded me a little of the mountain road in Mexico... but with guard rails and 2 paved lanes, so we didn't have to avoid oncoming traffic. I was able to take some pictures of the road on my latest trip to Wellington. Unfortunately, it isn't sunny like my first trip over these ranges, but I still got some good shots. 

Rimutaka Hill Rd.

View from the lookout point

Wairarapa in the distance between the ranges

Next stop: Masterton! The place where I'm staying is absolutely gorgeous. It has lovely gardens and is pretty lush and green (which isn't exactly hard to find around here). Most of the houses here are a decent size (not too big or small; average lot sizes and not houses squeezed all in next to each other). Many of them also have fences in the front, a gate or two and gardens. It's actually quite hard not to think of Hobbiton and all the houses which have similarities (the gardens, gates, fences, etc.), but are also unique from one another. You cannot help but love it. 

My lodgings and a new friend

I have managed to capture some of the views from many of the streets in Masterton:

I can't wait for some sunny warm days to get out exploring more of the scenery in the area. The unfortunate part about New Zealand is that the scenery is so unique that unless you take a picture you have no way of explaining to people what you've seen, so hopefully I curb this habit of not taking my camera with me places so I can get some good shots to show you all. 

Cheers!