At last the sun has got his hat on!
Yesterday I got on a bike and cycled from Takaka, where I am now, to Pohara beach. First I stopped off at the Labyrinth Rocks, with narrow passageways through a limestone outcrop.
Having tried to download photos at this point, my WordPress app crashed. It then repaired itself and subsequently crashed again. So no photos for now until I’ve had some IT support.
Briefly, I loved Takaka. It’s small, laid back and friendly. There’s a real arty vibe, as well as wholefood and organic shops and restaurants. I would have gone barefoot, like many others, but it was so hot I would have burnt my feet.
Christmas was not so good, in a hostel in Nelson crammed with young people on the lash who did not talk to me. Later, though, I stayed with a NZ couple and also met up with a friend of Eleanor so I got to see the city and its surroundings, which was really great. Again, lots of different artists, potters, weavers, photographers etc. (some quite eccentric), and all very willing to talk and engage with us.
In Havelock I saw more glow worms on a night walk to a waterfall with people from the hostel, wandered round the bay and saw some amazing carvings at the Maori gallery.
I took a boat tour in the Abel Tasman National Park, in and out of various bays in strong winds followed by a short walk along the coastal track of native forest in the NZ drizzle. While waiting on the beach for the boat to pick us up, I got talking to a Canadian guy who works as an animator for Pixar. I was very impressed as I consider this a dream job.
Did not have much luck in Franz Josef. This is the site to see one of NZ’s glaciers but it was raining hard and everything was a bit grey. As well as walking to the glacier, I tried the rather steep climb on the hill in front. Though I started in fine weather, it soon turned to rain and then I found myself walking through cloud. I caught the occasional glimpse of the ice.
Also took the trans-alpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch- weather fine, beautiful views.
I’m still having problems with my WordPress app. so will just publish this and hope to be able to get photos on again in the future.