NZ - final day

After two lovely weeks on the South Island, Rebecca and I caught the ferry north to Wellington, faffed around Tongariro for a few days, then dashed up to Auckland for a few more before we left. It was a great trip. Looking forward to the next one!! More photos below and on Picassa here.

The view from the lighthouse at Cape Campbell on the Northwest Coast of the South Island, which was one of our favorite campsites. The beach hike was ~8 clicks from the campsite to the lighthouse, which was a decent afternoon's workout, and felt like punishment on the way back (:-)

V-for-Victory for making it to the dang lighthouse, which, it must be said, was very scenic (and could only be reached via the beach walk).

A group of cormorants basking in the afternoon sun (and blocking our path home).

Our campsite view in the morning. Yes, that is the beautiful sandy beach 10 steps from our tent. No, there wasn't anybody else camping nearby. Best $10 permit I've ever bought!

View of the coastline near Kaikora on the South Island. Ok, really this photo is all about the 'stache.

Kaikora beach. That sign tells us all about seals and how they should be given a safe distance. That seal a few feet behind the bench seemingly can't read. There were also a handful of seals littered about the car park, basking in the sun. Not very shy creatures!

Now to the North Island...on the road to Tongariro, we saw the most amazing double-ended rainbow. It was too close to fit it all in the same screen.

Later, we drove up to the famed 'hot water beach'. Hard to see here, but some folks on the left have dug themselves a hot tub filled with sea water, and these gents on the right are warming their feet. That is water vapor coming off the sand. The effect is created by geothermal activity which comes very close to the surface near the beach. In certain spots, when standing on the sand or poking your toes underneath, it was hot enough to be scalding! One had to be very strategic about where to find the right amount of 'hot' water!

Then to Auckland. Beaker poses near the big skytower - aka 'the syringe'.

At the Auckland Art museum they were a very interesting exhibit with a mirrored floor and vertical lines painted on the walls. We had fun shooting photos.

West Coast (NZ take 5)

One of our favorite places in NZ was a stretch of the West Coast on the South Island. We had a few magical hours where we wandered a deserted beach, took photos of birds and sea stacks, and collected delicious mussels that we later had for dinner. It felt as if we were truly and completely alone. Except for Beaker. I guess that is the point of a vacation - but the setting sun and views made this seem like an especially nice place to spend a vacation. That one afternoon was probably the thing that put the trip over the top.

I was reflecting on what makes a perfect vacation to me, and I've isolated several important ingredients: tasty food and prettiness are on the list, of course. But instead of checking into a fancy resort with good views and food, I really enjoy foraging for food in beautiful settings, and then enjoying the rewards for dinner. Perhaps this is reflection of time spent in the Cascades, but my favorite meal is collected, picked, or caught while surrounded by rivers, mountains, (or in this case) crashing waves. Anyway, buy your ticket already!

Rebecca through a sea arch. The road is partway up the cliff in the background - reminiscent if PCH in California.

Sunset between the sea stacks.

On another day, we did a hike in a long-abandoned mine and railway called "Charming Creek". Here Rebecca and Beaker pose in old train cars.

Some dude and Rebecca near a waterfall. Man, that's a nice 'stache!

Our lunch spot at the mouth of Charming Creek. There I am engaging in a post-lunch frollick.