Day 21 - Surprise, surprise - a bit of rain overnight and galeforce wind... seems to be a trend. Geez, you'd think it was winter or something... or maybe it has something to do with being on the coast with nothing to slow the wind down since Australia... Good thing that Sunday is a perfect day to not be in a particular hurry (much to the chagrin of the cleaning staff at the camp). Once we got into gear, we headed south past Kaitaia to catch the ferry at Kohukohu - quite a decrepid little village, with some OLD buildings. Actually, it didn't seem to have changed much from the c1920 photo... Only saving grace was that the wait for the ferry was quite sunny and picturesque - 
which was nice, as we drove up just as the ferry was pulling out. Once in Rawene, we headed to Opononi (named after an especially tame dolphin that lived in the area in the 50's). Very impressive views of the harbour mouth and the very large sand hills on the far shore. It was a nice place to stop for a coffee and watch some rugby. Back on the road again we visited Omapere and the Waipoua forest - home to a Giant Kauri tree that is 2000yrs old (and bloody big! - with a 15m circumference that implies it is 15' diameter - that's the size of my living room!). I think we've seen it before, but J says no... we have 10 bucks riding on it when we get home to our old journal and photos. The road through the forest is winding (bet you could have guessed that one!) and steep, but once you leave the forest, the road and landscape open up to rolling pastureland full of calla lilies and some other UF (unimportant flora). This would make for a lovely acreage locale... ended our drive at Kaihu to the nicest campground yet - see photos. 
Met some brits in the common room and talked about their travels and world economics. 
note: schnitzel is fairly cheap here and quite yummy. stay away from the waxy, plastic 'frankfurters'. they are made with a product that does not break down naturally in the next millenium. ps. By all accounts, the Kauri Museum outside Waipapakauri (2 days back) is worth a visit. Tried to post tonight, but W98 intervened...oh well, when we get back to the 20th century will try again!time for sleepies. g'nite
which was nice, as we drove up just as the ferry was pulling out. Once in Rawene, we headed to Opononi (named after an especially tame dolphin that lived in the area in the 50's). Very impressive views of the harbour mouth and the very large sand hills on the far shore. It was a nice place to stop for a coffee and watch some rugby. Back on the road again we visited Omapere and the Waipoua forest - home to a Giant Kauri tree that is 2000yrs old (and bloody big! - with a 15m circumference that implies it is 15' diameter - that's the size of my living room!). I think we've seen it before, but J says no... we have 10 bucks riding on it when we get home to our old journal and photos. The road through the forest is winding (bet you could have guessed that one!) and steep, but once you leave the forest, the road and landscape open up to rolling pastureland full of calla lilies and some other UF (unimportant flora). This would make for a lovely acreage locale... ended our drive at Kaihu to the nicest campground yet - see photos. 
Met some brits in the common room and talked about their travels and world economics. 
note: schnitzel is fairly cheap here and quite yummy. stay away from the waxy, plastic 'frankfurters'. they are made with a product that does not break down naturally in the next millenium. ps. By all accounts, the Kauri Museum outside Waipapakauri (2 days back) is worth a visit. Tried to post tonight, but W98 intervened...oh well, when we get back to the 20th century will try again!time for sleepies. g'nite
2 comments:
You may have to stay longer......I'm enjoying this trip!
Hi KC:
I'm enjoying reading about your travels - this blog is a great way to share your adventures.
Miss ya!
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