And we got it! There are drought conditions on much of the South Island and in this area there hasn't been any rain in over a month. Until today. The one day we had available to walk Part of the famous Abel Tasman Track. Such is life, and in a way, it made for the experience that it is supposed to be...a sub tropical rainforest. When you get to the photos you'll see just what I mean.
Up reasonably early we drove up to Kaiteriteri to pick up a water taxi which carried us up the outside of the park to Medlands Beach where we were cast ashore with instructions to not get lost and to be at the pickup point by 3:30, 5 hours hence. We originally arranged for a 5pm pickup, but the weather forecasts changed over night, so we adjusted accordingly to miss some of the heavy forecasted rains.
And off we went, through beautiful forests that have been protected from the voracious logging taking place just outside the park...unfortunately this sounds all too familiar. Clear cut loose going, not select cut. Any way, off we went...
Our drop off point...
Unlike on the Camino Frances, I did take a photo of Annemarie as she crossed. Lord knows I wouldn't want to be asked yet again, "did you get a picture of me as I crossed", from someone who has no concept of height challenges! She's even smiling...the cheek!
Until we came to the tidal crossing...but,
as you can see, the tide was in...so the long way round, which was beautiful.
Then a climb up to Cleopatra's pools where you might want to bring your swim gear on a hot day...not a wet rainy day like we had!
Then off we went yet again, a bit of climbing and some descending as well, but I left my poles behind today just because. Here are some shots from the track...
And after a few more climbs and descents we found our way well along and nearing our destination.
We stopped for lunch, and considered walking on, but the sun popped out and the water was nice...so we stayed here and waded in the water and waited for our taxi. It was pretty nice.
We drive out to the west coast tomorrow.
Very interesting pictures today - the forests - the beaches - the mountain trails and , of course the challenges of a suspension bridge !! And on that subject I can only say that "it takes one to know one" to fully appreciate the terror that comes following the first bold step out into the "void" that seems to open up beneath ones feet when one looks downwards and there is nothing there - or at least not close by - to see .................... Good for you Geoff. When you get home we might possibly sit in the back garden and discuss the subject over a cool beer. Your grandfather Travers would also appreciate such a discussion so it will be comforting for you to know that you are not alone - but it still won't help you with the next crossing !!!
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Breath taking views of the beach and trails from several different vantage points. I agree Annemarie is being a bit 'cheeky' as I'm not to fond of bridges myself. Happy to see you waded into the water!
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