We woke to a magnificent sight... the kids could hardly contain
themselves and set off to explore as soon as the sun was up. The house
(much like other Kiwi baches we have rented) was delightful... literally
delightful. I walked around the property with a grin on my face. It is
very obvious that most holiday home owners take enormous pride in
creating homes that contribute to the memory making experience. For
example... garden features. I am not typically a fan of ceramic little
animals in yards... BUT when they are strategically hidden along an
ocean side path - specifically for the purpose of bringing pleasure to
the children (and adults) who find them... brilliant. Each home we have
stayed is has its own unique charm that reflects the specific brand of
hospitality of it's owner... Upon leaving, I often wish that I could
have sat down for a cup of tea with the owners. If you are interested,
this is the link for
"The Redjacket".
 |
| the bush path at our rental home |
Next we drove up the coast to the
Cape Foulwind Walkway. Do you see all those seals!!?? Yeah - neither did we. But we
did get SOAKING wet on our first hike of the trip. Awesome. Fortunately
we had a huge
bag of towels in the back of the van, for such a time as this. If
we had any idea that we would be seeing a gazillion seals in Kaikoura,
we probably would have skipped this hike and snuggled up with a book for
an hour until the rain passed. But sometimes I have a problem... it is
called "I don't want to miss anything".
 |
| Cape Foulwind Walkway in the pouring rain |
The Pancake Rocks are a remarkably beautiful and unusual sight. The
pathway along the top of the layered-limestone rock formations is
impressive in itself... a nicely maintained rock lined track that winds
its way above bluffs and sea caves, with a great view of the "blowhole".
 |
| Pancake Rocks |
 |
| the blowhole |
Around lunch time we drove to the trail head of the
Bullock Creek and Cave Creek Trail for a picnic. It was a beautiful drive - lush landscape, towering cliffs, red moss and rich colors. We had a picnic out of the back of the van and the kids fun played near the water.
 |
| picnic at Bullock Creek/Cave Creek trail head |
After a long day morning of exploration everyone sat down for a "spot of tea" and
a bit of art. In the evening we built a driftwood hut on the beach,
watched the sunset, had hot chocolate and played board games before bed.
A wonderful day.
 |
| "tea time" and Pancake Rock art |
 |
| gathering |
 |
| sunset |
 |
| driftwood hut with wet baby |
 |
| a few rounds of "stay alive" |
"/>" />
"/>"/>" />
" />
"/>"/>" />
"/>"/>" />
No comments :
Post a Comment