Abel Tasman Park

Kayakers enjoying Tasman Sea.

On the bush walk

Still tramping

The four of us were out front the Balmoral Motel this morning at 7:45 to be picked up and taken to Kaiteriteri for a cruise through Abel Tasman Natl Park.  The ship cruised in and out, around some scenic rocks, islands, and beaches.  The skipper slowed the boat to a stop to point out the fur seals, nesting cormorants, and a pair of penguins, that also turned out to be cormorants.  Sandy and Dave got off the boat with one other couple, to walk down a pristine beach and have a lunch that they both raved about.  There were also more shells in Sandy's pockets when the boat picked her up later in the afternoon.  Steve and I got off at Torrent Bay and did a 4 1/2 mile bush hike to Bark Bay.  The hike was mostly up above the beaches, but every time the Tasman Bay came into view, at least one of us, would remark about the amazing color.  When we came to the point where we were to be picked up, we saw a sign about tent camping or staying in a hut.  It was time to check out our options for a future visit.  The hut turned out to be three large rooms, one kitchen set up with tables and counter space for many individual Bunsen burners, and two rooms with enough bunk beds for maybe 20 people in each.

Split Apple Rock

The  bushwalking ladies

These were not 20 year old backpackers.  15 of them, were a group of older friends from Christchurch who loved sharing their stories with us.  When it was time to leave them, or miss our boat, I asked if we could take their picture.  One lady said " NO, YOU DON'T WANT MY PICTURE, I'VE GOT KNICKERS ON". (She's in the picture, knickers and all.)