About four o'clock this morning, we were woken by the wind which had suddenly started blowing a hooley! The windows were rattling, the cover on the BBQ on the balcony out side Trev and Dee's window, was flapping furiously and slapping on the stand making a drumming noise! No chance of a lie-in then!
Leisurely showers were had, followed by breakfast.
The weather started to close in, the view of the bay slowly disappeared under a blanket of swirling mist. The mountains behind succumbed shortly after.
It was more than obvious that the wale watching trip was in danger of being cancelled yet again! More long faces.
The darkening sky and even more blustery wind dictated that it wasn't going to clear anytime soon, so eventually, it was decided to do some shopping, strong thread to repair one of the case handles and a couple of presents were needed.
Our trip to Kaikoura was mostly to allow Trev to pay his respects to an old childhood friend who'd emigrated to New Zealand many moons ago with her husband, where they'd opened a museum.
Sadly about ten years ago, Roger, her husband, sent an email to say that Linda had passed away after a short fight due to cancer.
To explain, Trev had known Linda from pre school days, as they'd lived opposite each other. Linda and Trev's mum continued to exchange Xmas cards; Linda would always pay Mrs B a visit whenever she came home.
In an effort to gain an address to head for, Trev had entered the details into Google to get the details. Having punched in KK Museum NZ into the search bar, it gave an address in Kaikoura. (Hence our our being here).
He'd also exchanged an email with Roger and informed him of our intent to pay a visit when we came over.
Which we did today!
Unfortunately, Google let us down and the flowers and card purchased whilst out shopping this morning, remained undelivered, because it transpired the museum we wanted was in Kawakawa on north island?
Slowly, the truth dawned as the people running the museum, who went out of their way to try and unraveled the mystery, but couldn't because of course, they'd never heard of Roger nor Linda?
Sheepishly, we passed on our gratitude and slid out of the door.
As it's T n D's anniversary soon, Trev gave the flowers to Dee saying, 'happy anniversary'
The card of course will be forwarded to Roger when the correct address is known!
The weather never got any better, so it was back to our bache and lunch.
Lots of left overs to consume, so apart from a couple of baguettes, 'kitty' was very pleased!!
Then an afternoon of crap TV and wistfully looking out of the window, hoping the weather might lift....... little hope as we can't even see the sea? (Nor any chance for photos)?
Well, half four and the weather looks like it might be lifting.
After a quick scan of the map, Trev and John decide to make a break for it to have a scout around to get the lie of the land!
First, head up to the look out post overlooking most of the area, but still no opportunity to take any pics.
Undeterred, another route was chosen which took them to the South Bay, and although a couple of photos of waves crashing over rocks, they were still some way out and didn't convey their power!
Another route and this time, it took then out to the point on the peninsular. There, they found a further rocky bed, protecting far out to sea; most a couple of feet above sea level, some six to seven feet!
It was as they were getting out of the van that there, right in front of them were two very sleepy seals!!!
Excitedly, the camera was grabbed and a few shots taken. On looking around, a further five were spied about twenty yards away, on a higher crop of rocks.
Again, these were also dozing, one or two occasionally lift their head to yawn and stretch. Only to turn over and continue snoozing!
Back in the warmth of the van, it was noted that the waves one side, were up to six to seven feet and crashing onto the rocks. The sea the other side was as calm as?
They sat in the van, A, to escape the chilly winds and B, to see if the waves would eventually crash over the flat bed between the rough side and calm side; but it took too long, so they headed back for dinner of enormous roast pork chops with sage and onion stuffing on the top with sliced apple on top of that!
Together with brussels sprouts and dauphinois potatoes, a meal fit for a King!
Tomorrow sees us heading for Christchurch, via Hamner springs............