29.02.2020 Great day for something that only happens every four years....

We spent most of yesterday driving to Carters Beach and arrived in the rain. Apparently it is one of the favourite surfers beaches but we could hardly see the sea for the cloud and rain. Can't complain though we haven't had much of it. The day wasn't going to get any better - our accommodation was like an old Butlin's park and there was only one restaurant nearby which didn't have any vegetarian options! But the people were friendly and everyone on the park was in the same boat - wet and tired.

Next morning we were back to sunshine and blue skies - yeah!! Everything looks better in the sunshine and we headed off to Cape Foulwind (named by James Cook) for the start of the Heritage Highway down the West Coast - but first a visit to the seals.

Next stop Punakaiki National Park and Pancake Rocks - absolutely beautiful. I had heard about it and seen photographs but you really have to see this for yourselves - photos can't do it justice. Need some lessons on how to set the camera so that the water doesn't just look flat but suspect I'd need a tripod for that Tim Tomkins?

Well that's all from Pancake Rocks - next stop Franz Josef. This road never ceases to amaze me whether it's old gold mining towns, old railway bridges, swirling seas, tall pine forests, deep gorges and constant winding roads it really is unforgettable - can't wait to see what's around the next corner....