Abel Tasman

This morning, John and Greg went for a mountain bike ride.  I guess there was a lot of uphill, but then a lot of fun downhill, too.  I stayed back and relaxed, planning our trip for the next few days.  Sheila came down and gave me a tour of their land, all the fruit trees and gardens.  It’s a beautiful place.  

After John and Greg got back, Sheila, John and I packed up and drove to the Abel Tasman National Park.  We took about a 5 hour hike there and back to Separation Point where there is a seal colony.  We got to see some seals, and also birds.  The beaches were so beautiful and we passed a bunch of them.  Sheila wanted to take us to the entrance by boat and hike back, but it was much too windy.  We did get to see their old tugboat in the slip, though.  At the point, we saw some seals.  They are also trying to establish some colonies of birds there, and they have decoys and calls to attract the birds.   

Sheila and I hiked back the same way, but sent John on around the corner and we picked him up at the town of Wanui.  We had to drive back over the hill to get to John’s pick up point.  He had been waiting there for about ½ hour for us.  What a wonderful day!  

We headed back to town, got some groceries, and then Greg made us yummy mutton steaks!  We ate and drank and got back to the “love shack” to get some sleep.  We’ll have breakfast with Sheila in the morning and then head out to continue our trip.  I kind of feel like we’ve spent a few days in Lothlorien before heading out back into the warg territory – not really…  But really – it’s been fun!!  Thanks so much for everything Sheila and Greg!!!