The plan was to sail on Candidas again with Barry on the Legends race again from Tauranga to Gt Mercury Island - but forecast bad weather, rain and worst of all predicted winds from the north (on nose so a hard beat up in the rain!) meant the skipper called it off, so we packed up the tent and went camping instead!
We were sorry on to have the sail but Barry was right as we had heavy rain and strong winds and tides on the Friday and Saturday. We also had to contend with typical bank holiday traffic leaving Auckland!
We stayed in a really quirky lovely backpackers in Coromandal town called the Lion's Den - a must for anyone visiting - there is an outdoor shower (see the stars whilst having a lovely hot shower) amidst the scented lemon blossom and wisteria walkway. We also had a superb breakfast in Umu our favourite restaurant there - where we had amazing smoked mussels and awesome pizzas with Rhian and Callum last year.
We decided to do the walk from one side of the top of the peninsula to the other as there is no road that links both sides at the top. We arrived in the lowering clouds and spits of rain. Malcolm said ' we will only go for a short walk......, it will be fine'........ 2 hours later I have only been wetter when I skied with the kids the first time at Tongoriro. We were so wet the water was coming out of our rain filled boots rather than going in!
I can say though that Tilly hats are great in both rain and shine - Thanks Mum!
We camped back in Jacksons Bay and luckily the rain paused a wee bit whilst we got the tent up and had tea. Next morning it was dry and we sat recovering from a night in which I thought the high spring tide and waves were going to come right into the tent!
A bit shell shocked!!
Trying to dry our sopping wet walking gear on the sign post!
Looking back to the bay
Sunday and Monday were lovely and we and the tent dried out! We went to the other side of the tip of the peninsula to Stoney Bay and walked the other half of the walk along the Coromandel Coastal Walkway we did in the rain - what a difference a day makes!
Lovely lunch of crusty rolls, black olives and Puhoi cheese made all runny in the warmth - yum
Then back to a lovely campsite again right next to the sea!
A happy Malcolm - reading the weekly Telegraph with a sea-cooled beer after a lovely walk!
View from the tent in the morning!
On Monday we went to a quirky pottery/narrow gauge railway place - the line took potter Barry Bricknell 30 years to complete by hand and is now run by enthusiasts. The ride takes an hour to the 'Eyefull' Tower and back!
Then back to Coromandel town for a lunch of smoked mussels on the beach before heading home (for a good nights sleep!!)
Lovely lunch of crusty rolls, black olives and Puhoi cheese made all runny in the warmth - yum
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