Friday, March 27: Overnight rain, sometimes quite heavy, lighter rain in the morning, cloud in the hills, a bit of sun in Coromandel

On the Beach

I was up fairly bright and early but the day didn’t look like it was going to be up to much so I waited around a bit, had a look at the surf and could tell that the kayaking would be off again. The alternative was to drive to Coromandel and see if I could do one or two short walks. sandwiches were prepared and off I took at around 11:00 after seeing that my bookings for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were in the bag.

It was still raining when I left, although not as hard as last night, and the road wound its way over the hills. At one point a “scenic lookout” was signed, but all that could be seen was the cloud that enshrouded it; that didn’t stop people getting out of their cars with their cameras. I will presume that this is the starting point for the Kaipawa Trig Point Walk, although I didn’t see any signs. That would have to mean there and back in the fog, as the distance from town (along the road) would have precluded a round trip. Perhaps for another time, with two cars & better weather.

On the way down to Coromandel, there were a couple of nice views as the clouds made room. In the town itself my memory of the geography was OK and I found the spot of the hand timed time lapse of 2010. Bought a bottle of ginger beer and had that with my lunch in town after strolling around the shops, and then took off to try the 309 Road and the short walk to the Waiau Falls.

This road is quite a deal shorter than the SH25, but it is gravel for most of the way. The stop at the falls was found (there is also a road to Castle Rock, but no path when you get there, so that would have to be a bush bash) and the track itself barely a couple of 100 m long. Down at the falls I took my time lapse and then it was back here.

Had a bit of a nap, then decided on some shopping – The Warehouse had a Haka t-shirt in navy for just under $20 and a synthetic short-sleeved shirt for $14, so they will come in handy as replacements, then there was a car deodorant for $4 (should have been bought at the beginning) and the standard towels were on sale – got a light blue one in 40 cm x 60 cm for $1.5 so that will do as the hiking towel. Flannel shirts were only $10 but all were checkered (crime against humanity to manufacture plain or striped flannel shirts).

Wondering about enquiring for a second room for tomorrow night via airbnb. Since their maths inspires no confidence I would have to watch this development quickly. Michelle replied but failed to accept the booking within the 24 hour window, so I sent her a second request, which she then accepted. Russell was also approved, Cape Brett was booked so there is not much to wait for.

Dinner was the pizza from last night reheated in a frying pan which at least preserved the crispiness. Worked on 50 pictures and may well have 50 before Sunday for Tom.