Costa de la Tasman

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Costa de la Tasman Marion Griffiths Sleep our first and only Good Friday and it was hot cross priority as we arrived at Marahau buns for some. Noisy wekas ensured at some early hour but it was we were all awake to see the Tinline Bay before we dived for sunrise; those not awake were cover in hurriedly erected flies duly leapt on!! After minimal in the hope of a few hours sleep. sleep we were soon heading "enthus- This was the start of a six day iastically" up towards Holyoake wander through the native bush clearing. There were plenty of Abel Tasman National Park. of view and photo stops on the Abel Tasman National Park Chris Garton way and soon the cold water at Lunch at Totaranui saw the WT&MC's Holyoake Hut was discovered, well and truly moved in what so lunch and a spot of sunbathing a mess. Quick dips in the was declared. Then on through sea and cold showers meant the the bush towards Castle Rocks, vegetation was soon ensconced pleasant tramping with fantails in various bits of clothing! as companions and pigs as threaten- Peter kept us amused most of ed predators. Arriving at the the afternoon scouring the beach rocks, an early camp was set with his mine detector, making up before renewed energy might a great profit of 52 cents! have made the mighty trip leader Camp that night was set up in send us forth. Frustrated rock its usual efficient style, bang climbers tackled Castle Rocks in the middle of the motorcamp, in the fading light to admire and various games of "chase the the clear views over to Nelson. weka" filled the evening. Threats of rain never materialised Monday and heavy frosts meant and on Saturday morning we were getting out of the pits was a donning sunhats and creaming little harder than usual, but noses, but the morning's stroll the rising sun was not to be along to Moa Park took us mainly missed. Packs no lighter, we through the bush. A long morning set off along the beach. Clambertea break at Moa Park dried flies ing round the rocks at Cave Point and ripened the old noses, and set us just right for crossing it was only the command of the the Awaroa Inlet without getting intrepid leader that got the more than knees wet. Again beautiband back on the road. A good ful weather was to enhance the tramp along the bush-clad ridge scenery mile after mile of top can be recommended and it shimmering golden sand. Tonga wasn't long before we'd moved Bay wasn't appealing enough for in to the new Awapoto Hut what the night's stop, so after a luxury! picnic lunch and further swims we mosied over to Bark Bay before Easter Sunday dawned and we emerged the changing tide meant either from the bush with clear views an extra swim or a longer walk. of Golden Bay to the west and More swims were enjoyed before Tasman Bay to the east. A quiet the last fly was secured to a stroll along the road sent sounds tree and the afternoon was spent of "I hate road walks" echoing relaxing. from the soles of boots. Sue Charles is eager to oblige with Tuesday arrived and we were on a list of those who sneaked a our way to Torrent Bay again. ride! By judging the tides carefully we only got sand between the toes well, a bit of mud as well! Camp was at Te Pukatea Bay, a quiet bay hidden round the corner from Anchorage. Another relaxing afternoon was spent rock hopping, fishing and reading. Wednesday, and we were to reemerge to the thought of hot showers. A final day of sun meant last swims for a few, then it was off to catch the bus. The sand castles in Apple Tree Bay being left to the fate of the ocean. Those on the trip were: Stuart Lusty (leader), Peter Jackson, Sue Evans, Glynis Woodrow, Debbie Hughes, Paul Hughes, Raewyn Eager, Marion Griffiths, Prue Coakley, Adrian Widgery, Graeme Hawthorne, Janine Tooley, Richard Black, Sue Charles, Malcolm Charles, Max Tollenaar, Gabrielle Hoskins, Tramping Abel Tasman Style! I Malcolm Fergusson, Elizabeth Paivarinta (visitor from Vancouver) Murray Worsop and Michael Hollis (who joined halfway).