Day 16

As soon as the sun was up, we drove quickly out of the beach parking to go to the toilets and to try to make some “french toasts” near a park/running course. We decided to to to the Westport Aquatic Center (showers!) which was quite small but at least quite. We then went to the board walk down the river as some kids suggested it last night at the playground. We “bothered” a guy talking on TV and went back to the city to get some more cassette tapes (one of them was actually another queen compilation). Listening to our new cassettes we headed south to Charlston and explored Constant and Joys Bays. With outstanding rock formations and an open ocean high tide, we watched countless spectacular crashes from the waves. Areas along the cliffs also had fittings for rock climbing. Still traveling south we traveled past the Fox river. At the car park was a cement structure with colourful graffiti. This was the beginning of some long walks, so we decided to return later to sleep for the night. Shortly after we arrived at Punakaiki, where I bought an ice cream. We then went to see the boasted “Pancake Rocks”. These were impressive… but not incredible. More interesting to me was some Monks who were also at the attraction.

Starting our way back and getting a little hungry I noticed a little cavern on the map just off the road side, so with some reluctance from Marianne, went and had a look. We entered at the same time as a small french group and unofficially joined with them, due to our superior torch. The cavern had a large entrance chamber with two separate areas leading away. These narrow trails carved through the sandstone where very nice, but no glowworms! Marianne had a small chat with some of the group members and left the cave very happy, because she hadn’t been frightened like the other girls. We cooked our pasta in the shelter of a large caravan and a sneaky Weka before driving to the car park for the night. Tomorrow held a large walk.

Entree by Jack and Marianne