We woke this morning to this view from our campervan. Somewhere out there is a boat called Expresso, a coffee roasting boat that was once a Jacques Cousteau research boat.
After a quick stop for supplies we set off for the Totaranui campsite at the north end of the Abel Tasman National Park. It was an 11 km drive on an unsealed road round some of the most amazing bends we have yet driven on. The GPS reckoned it would take us over an hour, we were very happy to arrive after only 30 minutes of concentrated driving.
The campsite has a very different feel to other DOC sites: this is a large site (850 pitches), and places are only available by lottery between Christmas and the end of Jan. Most of the people still here are families on long stay holidays, enjoying beaches and good weather.
Mick and I opted to walk the north end of the famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track, from Totaranui to Seperation Point. It is a lovely walk, up and over headlands between beautiful sandy beaches. Even at this time of the year it was quite busy, but, we've been told, nothing like the southern sections.
The sky was blue, the sea turquoise and the views along the walk were all of the 'wow' variety. We crossed Anapuri beach, then went inland again until we reached Mutton Cove.
We then decided we had seen loads of view points, seen lots of headlands, but hadn't actually sat on a sunny beach and gone paddling. So we stayed where we were, enjoyed the sun and relaxed.
After a leisurely picnic lunch we set off on the return walk, and enjoyed watching a pair of oyster catchers finding, and eating, mussels at low tide!
Back at the camp site at about 5 pm we are continuing with the hectic life, sitting, reading books and enjoying a drink in the sun.
We leave again tomorrow, back over the Takaka hills, with a few little walks planned, then on towards Nelson.
PS. We are sitting here, having enjoyed a lovely meal of lamb and broccoli, watching our neighbours (with two young children) make their own sushi, and whittle chop sticks for everyone. Impressive or what!!
Posted with Blogsy
If you two weren't in top physical condition when you began this trip, you will be prime specimens by the end of this adventure. Will you be swimming home?
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