Abel Tasman National Park
(karen)
Thank you everyone for your comments, we love getting to read them to see how you are doing. And for those concerned about my knee, it thankfully hasn't been a problem yet even after a 3-day backpacking trip in Abel Tasman National Park. Speaking of which, you all are in for a treat because we finally found an internet cafe that let us upload our pictures. I selected the highlights (because there are a few hundred so far!) and you can access them by clicking on the photo below. On the Flickr website you'll be able to see the folders I setup, which are called "Auckland", "To South Island", and "Abel Tasman".
The Abel Tasman park is a beautiful corner of the world that looks like it is straight out of the 100% Pure New Zealand advertising campaign. It's in an area called the Gold Coast that which seems almost tropical because of the large palm-like silver ferns, pure gold sand and turquoise waters. It's a popular kayak spot but we decided to do a back packing trip instead. The path is pretty flat and gentle as it follows along the beaches and through the bush. One of the most interesting parts about this hike was the tidal influence. In a couple of spots we had to walk during low tide as the path went through sandy, muddy tidal flats. It was really fascinating to just sit and watch the tide come in and watch it fill up an entire shallow lagoon. At night we stayed in cabins which sounds like a good idea, and it is, but oh my god do people snore down undah'.
We spent a day recovering and stocking back up for our next trip on the Heaphy Track, a 5-day hike in a similar area. I'm actually writting this entry at 6:00 am while waiting for the bus to come pick us up! Surprisingly the station wasn't busy, I guess the other hostel goers are still passed out from the previous evening.
(steve)
Hello everyone. Here's my two cents. Everything you've heard about New Zealand being filled with great people is true. Every landscape you saw in Lord of the Rings is not staged (entirely). We've been lucky to see and experience both in a short while. Between having strangers ask us how the holiday is going while shopping in the supermarket to seeing some of the coastline on our first tramp (in the pictures), we haven't been disappointed. More from me when we get back from the next hike (got to catch a bus!). Hope everyone is well.
posted by Ferg at 5:52 AM
10 Comments:
Ah, Internet Cafe! Victory! Looks like the D50 is treating you well. Great pictures!
Your journey to the South Island looked amazing! Perfect weather for pictures...clouds in the sky!
What's their deal with bees?
Steve, any good beer down there?
Work update: We've definitely raised the volume of the workplace here in S12. We had a 7-man game of OOS yesterday. We can have up to 8! Lep still sucks, but he's all over that rim. Candy consumption has reduced a little. (Don't tell Jack)
Keep up the good blog work. Great to hear from you.
"Hey, Ferg."
(Flashlight gun in your eyes)
"Gotcha!"
6:43 AM
Sweet to see the awesome photos...keep'em comin'. Good to see the comments from Steve-o as well. Hope the weather stays in your favor.
Russell has hooked us up with a nice new OOS arena and Lep is still all over that rim. Hayashi is in command so far this year.
Have you been drinking any Speights yet? Eat any pies? Good stuff and popular in the South Island.
Take care.
11:45 AM
Pictures from New Zealand, isn't technology grand. This way, we get to travel with the Fergasons!! Except we're here, at work, not as happy, surrounded by people who say "How was your VACATION?". How do they distiguish between a holiday and a vacation? I guess the same way they distinguish between a cookie and a biscuit. Do they call it National Lampoon's European Holiday? Anyway, I digress. It appears your trip is going great, the pictures are awesome.
Nothing to report here. Don't listen to Russell or Jack regarding my OOS abilities. Also, pies aren't that good (at least the Ausie version).
2:53 PM
Sheep! I wanna see sheep! Who cares about spectacular vistas, unbelievably gorgeous ocean panoramas, beautiful ferns in the middle of lush forests, etc, etc, etc. I want to see the big plushy wooly darlings.
Thanks for the great postings!
love, mom
8:18 AM
Oh, your pictures are so lovely!! That trip looks like a dream come true. How's the weather? Seen any cool wildlife? It's dry as a bone and still not too cold here, but they say the snow is coming soon. Enjoy your backpacking and go easy on your knee!
10:46 AM
This just in...THE BRONCOS BEAT THE PATRIOTS TO ADVANCE TO THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!! oh yeah, Iran is on its way to making a nuclear bomb. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!
6:06 PM
I made dinner for everyone. I made ziti, which was good, and a lemon tart, which wasn't. But everyone ate it. So maybe it was just me. Demon came all the way down the stairs with everyone here, but then ran away when the Broncos scored a touchdown. I made a hat with a pom-pom. Matt's fermenting beer smells like pears. The end!
6:09 PM
Hey guys! I am so jealous that you actually have pictures from NZ that are in focus. yeah- I am so glad you are loving it - how can you not! I don't think I can come meet you guys - boo, hoo! I wanted to use miles and I can't find a day that is available to use them with my time frame - I am soooo bummed! At least I get to live vicariously through your pictures and comments - keep them coming.
Mindy
10:42 AM
So glad you're having such a great time but I'm surprised you've had trouble making out the Southern Cross. When we were on the ships I sat on deck late being fascinated by how prominent it was and how entirely different the sky was from our northern hemisphere.
Sorry you became introduced to the snoring so fast, but even Japan had competitors for loudest snore title.
We flew to LA Saturday for the symphony at Disney Hall (what an experience!) and then home the same day. That finally ends the celebration of the 80th birthday.
3:02 PM
You guys are my heros! We miss you like crazy, but are very glad you are having a great time. You saw PENGUINS?! I want more pictures. I'm sure you have a ton on that camera of yours. We are going to the very first party at "Nick's" house tonight. It won't be the same without you. Have a ball!!!
Erin Pickens :)
11:57 AM
Post a Comment
<< Home