Day 16 Maruia Falls – considering yesterday’s mountainous expedition sleep for us both was a haphazard affair. Parked up five minutes from the falls next to the main road the night was filled with the sound of thundering water and passing traffic.
Nevertheless we were up early to marvel close to, the effect a 1929 earthquake, 7.3 on the richter scale caused a once flat flowing stream. Maruia Falls, beautiful, created by one of earths natural disasters. A short drop by comparison to what we have already witnessed but no less impressive.
Hamner Springs – great place to chill out and rest – our surprisingly few, especially my hip muscles – after a ‘mountainous climb’. Relaxing together in the many man-made pools temperatures between 32° – 38° and three natural sulphur pools fed from a bore hole. The latter, long-suffering could only moan at a) the heat, up to 42° and b) the smell ‘like sitting in a bath of rotten eggs!’
Drive to Kaikaura and our stop for two nights ‘Alpine Pacific Holiday Park’ for Whale-watching tomorrow. Great fully powered site, fantastic showers, laundry facilities, every thing clean and tidy. The best bakery next door, Danish pastries to die for, light and oh so tasty.
Our first meal out in two weeks, Thai Siam restaurant a short ten minute walk from our camp site. The service here was excellent. We shared starters of Thai spring rolls and pork spare ribs followed by the special Penang salmon curry and stir fried chicken noodles. Food, piping hot, tasty, a real treat, and no washing up to do!
Day 17 – Huge disappointment, whale watch cancelled rough seas and zero visibility. Waiting list now for eleven thirty, not holding out much hope though.
Cancelled again, now booked on to nine thirty tomorrow morning, long sufferings itinerary falling by the wayside again! Weather appalling, heavy rain.
Seal spotting on the new dramatic coastline at Kaikoura as a result of the November earthquake. The sea bed rose up by one metre and in some places four metres. The seals seem to be loving the extra land gained for lazing around in the sun or as today, pouring rain.
The Creative Muse 