Crystal Clear

The visibilty is over 60 metres which is close that of pure water.

Pupu Springs

Today we visited Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu springs) the source of the purest spring water in the world.

Keeping Warm

Whilst waiting to be picked up it got quite cold and James hid under a blanket with his Mum and Mamma. On the way back he slept like a baby though I don't know how as the sea was very rough and there was quite a gale blowing. By the time we got back to Kaiteri, the rain was very heavy. So it was hot showers for everyone and whisky for the adults.

Future Black Cap

James played cricket with his Grandad. I don't think he has quite got it yet but he certainly enjoyed it.

Oyster Catcher

There were several oyster catchers nesting on the beach.

View From the Lagoon

Like most beaches here Bark Bay has a large lagoon behind it.

Crystal

The water here is so clear.

Arrival at Bark Bay

Bark Bay is my favourite beach. You can only get to it by walking for a couple of days or by sea. I prefer to kayak to it but until James is old enough the water taxi will have to do.

Tracy and I have had some great times here, last time Tracy was pregnant and we saw a pod of orca from the boat. Today the weather was a bit undecided, one minute drizel and the next bright sunshine. It didn't stop me swimming for most of the afternoon though.

Shags

On the way we passed Pinnacle Island and saw these shags sunning themselves on the rocks. In the distance are the moutains of the Marlborough Sounds.

Waiting For A Taxi

Today we are catching a water taxi to Bark Bay, in the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Delicious

It tasted as good as it looks.

Smokin'

James and Sandra bought this smoker for my birthday but I haven't had a chance to use it till today. But now I have salmon to smoke!

After filleting the fish I covered them in salt and brown sugar and placed them skin side down above some manuka wood chips.

More Murals

Mural

Takaka is a very colourful town, the main occupation seems to be artist.

Our Haul

Four good sized salmon. Not bad for a half hours work.

One for Dad

James helped me land one.

A Keeper

Mum helps land it.

First Bite

James and his Grandad get a bite with their first cast.

Takaka River

Today we drove over Takaka hill to go and catch some salmon.

Beach Boy

Kaiteriteri beach is great, the sand is golden, the water is warm without any rips and there is a great lagoon for swimming in.

Whale

James drew this whale in the sand. Not bad for a 3 ½ year old.

Sand

James loves sand. I think he is going to have a great week.

Wall of Water

Maruia Falls

We are off on holiday to Kaiteriteri. The drive up through the Lewis Pass was wild with strong winds on the east side and torrential rain on the west. The Maruia waterfall was much bigger than normal with all the rainfall.

Result!

The finished result came out far better than I had hoped. The wood just needs a few coats of danish oil to seal it and I will strip the sashes in the new year.