26.02.2020 Abel Tasman - Beautiful...

We arrived at the incredible National Park on 24th and are here until 28th. I had planned the four nights here so that I could get plenty of walking in on the Abel Tasman Coastal Path. If you want to camp, carry all your gear and walk the whole path it's easy to do if you remember to book your campsite before you get here because it's busy. I like an easier life these days so I am doing bits of it by getting a water taxi from Marahua out to my starting point and then getting another water taxi from my finish point back to Marahua. The water taxis are fantastic and because the tide changes quickly here, you get on the boat at the terminal on land which is then pulled into the sea by a tractor. You get to your drop off point and they pull up on the beach drop an anchor and you step off - into the water sometimes so do like everyone else - carry your boots and travel barefoot on the boat!!

Before heading up the coast the skipper took us to see "Split Apple Rock" you can see where it gets it's name from and then to a small seal colony where I managed to snap this little grey fella.

My first walk is from Barts Bay to Anchorage. Its around 11kms - shorter if you manage to get the tide right at Torrents Bay but I was not in a hurry - just wanted to take it all in so had to do the longer walk around the bay instead of the 30 minute tramp across the beach.

The path is narrow in some places but lots of shade through the forest sections and plenty of water fountains and loos along the way. Too many people sometimes though, especially when I got to Cleopatra's Pool which is supposed to be the cleanest water in the world. I'll think about that - considering the number of people who were swimming there. Have to admit though it was a gorgeous location away from the beach. Crossed a suspension bridge over Falls River which was a laugh as only 1 - 5 people can be on it at one time and you could hear the cries of "wait" "wait" as people queued at either side to get across - especially when you got a guided walking group coming over - bit like meeting the Ramblers on a walk on the cliff top at home!!!

I think this has to be one of the most beautiful walk that I have ever done it had everything, beaches, forests, rivers and fabulous views. More walking tomorrow for me - taking the boat to Anchorage and walking back here - about the same distance. Today has been a rest day - none of the beautiful bays you can see are accessible by road only by foot or kayak. So this morning I walked about 3 kms to a fabulous beach which I had all to myself and read my book - bliss.... I think you have probably had enough by now - so those photos can wait till next time.