The Catlins, reprise

So, it's the Catlins once again, an area I've first travelled to and through 14 years ago. Back then, all the roads were gravel and there weren't too many people around. I've been back twice since and the main road is sealed (fortunately side roads are not) and there's a lot more people now. But still a relavtively remote corner. We drove down to Surat Bay and stayed at the lodge I'd stayed at many years ago. New ownership, but nothing much changed. Right on the beach, sea lions in front of your bedroom window. Went for a nice walk along the beach at low tide, all the way to Cannibal Bay and back. We had to walk zigzags around the many sea lions chilling out in the sand and even saw one young lion. Beautiful animals. I would like to bring one as pet and companion for Wooster!
Next day, we did the Wisp-Catlins River loop track, 24+km, the second half quite undulating along the river. Again, a wonderful hike, we were the only people around, lots of birds and bees and flowers and trees. And a great lunch break spot on some stones in the middle of the river - but only because it was so dry, I guess. Otherwise, wet arse galore.






Two nice cafés as well, the good old Niagara Falls Cafe and the relatively new one in Owaka opposite the Four Square.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gandalf the Pedophile

Driving down south to Kerikeri was beautiful: we took the time to take the scenic coastal route, visiting gazillions of beautiful beaches and inlets. Bliss and joy. KK itself is very nice of course as well, real fruit icecream, need I say more. On a rainy Saturday afternoon we went to Ngawha hot springs, which rocks totally. Basic, ramshackle pools, or rather woodclad holes in the ground with different temperatures between very hot and scorching, after one hour you have a baby's skin again. Amazing. We stayed at the very nice and highly recommendable Kerikeri Farmhostel and the reisebegleitung greatly enjoyed the Kunekune pigs they keep. Before Xmas crazyness took over the whole place we left for Whangarei Heads and that's where the old pedowizard comes in. But more of that tomorrow, I have to and eat one of the best breakfasts of all times now. Just remember: always stay with your arse to the wall when meeting old man with grey beards and pointy hats.
Read more

Rain!

But warm. And not real rain. Just a drizzle. It's gonna clear up any minute. ANY MINUTE. I'm sure. Everybody's sure of that. Has been sure for the past three days. The only thing I'm sure of is that it will indeed clean up after we've left tomorrow and that the clouds will follow me to Napier. Because they too love me. I'm a raingod after all. Since I'm so incredibly butch and such a great manly bloke I did not let the rain keep me from exploring the mountain. Didn't go up to the top because that would have been stupid. The forest is truly amazing! Brings out all the hippie genes in me. But only for a millisecond. Gotta finish up now, have to clean my rifle and go rabbit and possum hunting. Kill a couple of God's creatures, just for fun.
Read more

Hawai'i, a résumé

Well, well, well. Looking back with a couple of days distance I must say that Hawai'i was underwhelming. It was nice, no doubt about that, bur I certainly won't be going there again and I think there are better places with less hassle and rules and regulations in the world. But anyway, let's try to wrap it up in a post. Flying into Hilo is niiiiice. On a clear day. You get beautiful views of valleys, forests, waterfalls, kinda like a very short scenic flight (provided you have a window seat on the right side of the plane). Domestic flights in HI are relatively easy going: our baggage arrived always very quickly and the car rental companies are just across the exit door from baggage claim. I had pre-booked our cars through NKT Travel and everything worked perfect - we got a good price, good, reliable car, no worries at all, so I can definitely recommend them. You don't really need a 4WD (unless you have a very specific use case planned). We rented a "mid-size...
Read more