New Zealand 2009

Decided to go for a drive to the North. Drove over extremely windy road to Takaka, past Collingwood and out to Farewell Spit. Had lunch at crazy cafe, everyone spoke French, seemed like they had never had English speaking customers before.

Drove to Wharariki (Freaky) Beach. Short hike to beach, beautiful scenery. Tide low but coming in. Walked down the beach taking pictures. Arches and caves, great reflections. 

Walked back along "poop ridge", strong wind. Drove back to Poharu, had early dinner at Penguin Cafe. Penguins come in at dusk, didn't see any. Had some coffee, picked up dinner snacks. Stopped at Hawkes Lookout where we could see the lodge from above. Back at the lodge Rick went for a run, Randy reviewed pictures. Snacked on the deck, watched a bit of Lord of the Rings. Rick started coughing, thought he was getting sick, switched to couch pillow, everything was ok.  This happened a couple nights and we concluded it must be possum hair in the pillows.

Up early, Rick went for another run. Drove over to Nelson, had breakfast with Rick's friend Donna from Seattle. She's living in the area with her husband and daughter. Fun catching up. Headed to Nelson airport, very small, no security, went right in.