Wairangi

We pulled out of French Pass just after 9am, and were back in Elaine Bay about 2 hours later. This time Charlie was driving, and being the Friday before a long weekend there was quite a bit more traffic, which we always seemed to meet at the narrowest parts of the road!
What a difference a couple of days makes… This time when we pulled into the Elaine Bay campsite we were the only ones here. All the college boys had packed up and left this morning so we had our pick of sites.
Another day, another forest walk. This time it was the Piwakawaka Track out of Elaine Bay, which winds over the hill through native bush to a small beach around the corner. About 2 hours return, including a break on the beach for a drink and a snack. The track ended just past an iconic kiwi bach which is accessible only by boat. With no spouting, but a water tank filled by a pipe from a nearby stream, and built of corrugated iron patched with old-style Hardiplank, the bach has been in the family for nearly 100 years according to the chap we spoke to. The Sounds must be full of these amazing little bolt-holes, and their owners are so lucky to have them.
It’s been beautiful again today, and I’m even turning a little pink after all this sunshine. The combination of daily exercise, fresh air and sunshine, and peace and quiet, means we’re sleeping really well. Over the last week the only sounds once we turn out the lights have been the wekas and the moreporks calling to each other across whatever bay we’ve been in. We’re parked next to a family of wekas tonight who have three cute fluffy little chicks, and we’ve had herons and wood pigeons feeding right beside us. It’s like a David Attenborough episode!Read more