After breakfast, the boat began it's sail at 7:45 to the Tasman Sea. Big ocean swells but the drama of the abrupt vertical cliffs softens... The boat turned around with a peek at the lighthouse and headed back to the harbor. What a difference without the rain! Most of the small waterfalls were gone, but the clouds with sunshine peeking through were great.
We arrived back at the dock at 9:30 am and began the drive back to Te Anau up the Milford Road. On our way, we went through the Homer Tunnel (1219 meters long) again, then took Hollyford Road to the Lake Marian trail. There you cross over a swing bridge, then take an amazing climb through moss covered forest to a roaring stream that tumbled over boulders... The prettiest hike we've taken. We didn't go all the way to the lake, but enjoyed it so much.
After a quick lunch stop for meat pies in Te Anau (Terry had wild venison, Jim had chicken and bacon), we drove south toward Invercargill. The landscape did another dramatic change to rolling green pastures, big open blue skies and river crossings. (And sheep, cows, sheep...) We ended driving along the southern coast, stopping at Gemstone Beach, Cosy Cove and Colac Bay; all beautiful in the bright sunshine with a backdrop of sheep covered green hills.
We are staying in Riverton at the very charming Riverton Beachfront B and B. There are two ocean front rooms with high ceilings, pale blue beadboard walls, giant doors with antique handles...super quaint. Judy is our host and will have breakfast for us in the morning.
We will drive through the Catlins tomorrow, hoping to see some wildlife and take some hikes. Still trying to figure out our route for the next few days, knowing we must squeeze what is left of the juice out of our time here. We've kept a quick pace, trying to see as much as possible yet savor it too. It's been fun...
No comments:
Post a Comment