We started slightly early this morning as we had to cover a 2 1/2 hour drive to Marahau, the entry point to Abel Tasman National Park. The drive was generally sedate but classically New Zealand, there were definitely some hairy and twisty-turny bits of motorway that made the set 80 KPH speed limit completely for insane people.
The weather was very grey and patchy. When we first arrived to Marahau the rain started pouring and we debated whether we should start our hike in full rain gear since we had 13.5 km ahead of us. However, by the time we boarded our water taxi the blue skies really started to appear. The rain clouds clung to the edges of the small mountains and only a few friendly puffy white clouds obscured the sun at all.
We and eight other people rode the taxi into Abel Tasman. The boat skipper took a quick detour at the beginning and we took a look at "split apple rock". Abel Tasman Nat'l Park is a protected track of wild coastline along granite cliffs that have eroded to create beautiful golden sand beaches. The ocean is a gorgeous jewel-like blue-green color and is very popular for those who choose to travel the coast by kayak rather than walk the 52-kilometer track that is one of New Zealand's "Great Walks". We were only going to do a portion, starting at Bark Bay and finishing at Awaroa to stay in one of the Department of Conservation huts.
Split Apple Rock on the left, coastline on the right
We were dropped off at about 1:15-ish and hung around just long enoug to eat a sandwich and use the campground's [flush!] toilets. There are no roads along the coast but there are a few private vacation cabins that owners either aqua-taxi or self-boat to.
At the first trail bridge we crossed there was a very playful and curious seal rolling about in the creek effluent while itching itself with its fins.
For the next 5 kilometers or so we climbed steadily up the steepest portion of trail we'd be doing all day and headed inland for a bit. The canopy of tree ferns often made the trail very cool and dark despite increasingly clear skies and bright sunshine. We encountered a few other hikers along the way but once we arrived at Onetahuti Beach we had the trail (and whole beach) to ourselves.
Underside of NZ's symbolic silver fern, Tonga Island
Getting close to Onetahuti Beach
The beach, and all to ourselves!
The first sand dollar I ever found
Could have stayed here all day!
We took about an hour to do some beach combing and check out the water. The sea was truly too cold for swimming but it was very tempting to dive in all the same. We did some wading and teased the local birds with some bread. Once the shadows started to look a bit long it was time to finish the remainder of the hike and reach Awaroa Hut.
Two hours later we kicked off our boots, claimed a bed in the bunk rooms for each of us, and tucked into the bulk of the food we brought (simple cold stuff). The the time we were settled for the evening it was about 7:30 in the evening. I stayed out as late as I could to take pictures of the night sky because we were finally presented with an opportunity to see some stars. I had to be quick though because everyone else (21 other hut-stayers) were in their bunks. I snapped one last picture as the Milky Way began to emerge and then dove into my sleeping bag as quietly as possible.
Fabulous sunset over Awaroa Bay, completely empty at low tide
Some stars and clouds at twillight
The best I could manage without it being fully dark
No comments:
Post a Comment