Funny weather

Our original plan had been to spend another day on the beach, Tahuna Beach to be exact, a few minutes from this campsite. But the weather today was not in our favour. From warm but overcast and breezy, it got steadily cloudier and colder through the morning, continuously threatening rain, until we thought we may as well just lounge about the motorhome and our comfortable campsite instead. 

There was some reading; some bouncing on the jumping pillow; a bit of TV (Vinyl for us, now we've finished the Young Pope, Boogie Beebies for Jemima); clothes washing (that time again); and some crafting (Jemima had lots of fun ripping up bits of paper and arranging them in patterns). These were interspersed by lunch in the camp kitchen (in theory these are great - they mean you don't stink out your motorhome cooking bacon, for example; but I found a whole extra level of hassle in remembering to take everything I needed, and had to go back to the motorhome about five times for the colander or the cheese grater).

Then, after feeling like we'd been living in a cloud all day, in late afternoon it all cleared and hot sun appeared - like a different climate. Energised, we decided on dinner out: The Smugglers' Rest, just down the road. Spruced up and sparkling clean (for once - even Jemima had washed her hair), we wandered through the warm evening, had a good dinner, and returned home - much chillier now, but well fed.

Apart from winter snow, it feels like we've had four seasons in one day. Kevin likes the variety; I'd prefer the dependability of a guaranteed summer. But then we've got the heat of Australia to come. And in the meantime, we've had a good restful day, and we're off to the wilderness of the West Coast tomorrow.

PS I also used today to continue getting up to date with photos. Yesterday ("Gold and green") and " Mussels alive alive-o" are now done; only two left.

 

Jemima crafting:

 

Our lovely campsite in the afternoon sun (that is the camp kitchen/ lounge facing us):

 

Walking to dinner:

 

Kevin making Jemima laugh:

 

Gold and green

09:44. That was the time on Jemima's clock when we all finally woke up - we really were tired. A quick scramble to leave the campsite (departure time is 10am), and we settled for the morning in the car park down the road, right next to a brilliant playground. Jemima and Kevin climbed and swung while I did some cleaning and made lunch; and then it was time for our trip.

Kaiteriteri is one of the gateways to the Abel Tasman National Park, a Department of Conservation-controlled area that is reknowned for its bush tramps with glorious views of the gold beaches that fringe the greeny-blue coast. A five day hike being out of the question, we did the next best thing: saw it from a boat. The light wasn't the best for photos, unfortunately, but IRL it was lovely. 

After an enjoyable cruise up the coastline, we got off on the way back down at Anchorage Bay for a swim and a play - cruising is not the best fun for Jemima, but splashing about where a gentle curl of river cuts through the sand into the sea, definitely is. It was a beautiful beach, with rich yellow sand, water almost more green than blue, fringed by bush, no houses visible, completely unspoilt. Jemima's favourite was definitely the little river (and joining in with two slightly older boys trying to dam it with sticks); but Kevin and I were both impressed by the setting - if not by the pesky sandflies, which appear to be an issue in these parts. But nothing's perfect, and this was pretty close.

We even got Jemima swimming in the sea briefly - it was pretty cold; and then I launched myself in with predictable shrieks (they do help). But, as usual, it was amazing once you're in ("you never regret a swim", copyright Richard Klein, a maxim for me now); and weirdly, freezing water then warm air leaves you feeling invigorated rather than chilly. Then back on the boat to Kaiteriteri, past the fur seals, and an hour's hop to a lovely (much more civilised) campsite in Nelson, which we had liked on our way through. Great fish (tarahiki apparently) and chips at the camp cafe, and another day's adventure was over.

 

On the boat:

 

Split apple rock (it's a granite coast, which is apparently why the sand is so yellow, and it creates features like this):

 

 

 

Anchorage Bay:

 

 

Jemima being a seagull:

 

 

 

In:

 

And out:

 

And on the way home: 

 

Seals:

 

 

Back on Kaiteriteri beach:

 

Kaiteriteri Beach to Tahuna Beach Campsite (the cruise was along the green bit above Kaiteriteri):