Don't worry, it's just around the corner....

Preparations for the great Abel Tasman adventure were in place. The evening prior, we were good little campers, and snuck off to bed after a few beers at the Victorian Rose, a pub in Nelson. We could have stayed for a few more beers and a few more hours listening to the sounds of Boogy Train... an awkward looking, yet great sounding blues band....... but in hindsight, our decision to get some shut eye was best. Anyway, we woke up at 5:30 in the morning to catch the bus to the trailhead looking like hobos itching for a cup of coffee.



Yes, we made it to the trail head at last. We did get a quick caffeine dose and a bear claw muffin at the cafe that was literally at the start of the trail. This will be a piece of cake we thought.....




Here is a picture of us at the start of our journey with our wits, sense of humor, an optimism at its peak. It was a bit rainy at that time early in the morning, but we were excited to get the tramp started. We were well on our way, blazing the trail with only a few wet outburst from mother nature. Other than that, the stormy weather headed south and for the most part, we stayed warm and dry.
It seamed that with every step further into the park, the weather changed for the better, the views seemed more beautiful, and our cadence got a bit more rapid. As advertised by our bus driver Chet, the trail was fairly easy. Chet says Abel Tasman track is for 4-84 years olds, and he might be full of shit, but then again, I don't think his name was actually Chet.

We continued at a good pace, taking in the beauty of the golden beaches and crystal blue water.



We picked the right time of year to hike Abel Tasman as we would later find out. We were the only ones on the track, and for being the most famous track in New Zealand, that is a rare thing during the school holiday and summer time.

About 3 hours into the hike we stopped to take a break and have some lunch. There was a Department of Conservation (DOC) cabin where we stopped to have some grub. I use "grub" as a term meaning delicious cheese, sausage, bread, smoked fish, and hummus dips. We were in no danger of starving, that much I can tell you my friends. We weren't about to go thirsty either. I've adopted the theory created that beer shall be enjoyed on every adventure, and at any time during the day. This adventure would be no exception. Lunch in the wilderness without a trace of civilization in sight, not without a beer I say....

Lunch and beers, job done! Now on to more hiking. Honestly, the views from the trail were spectacular! The mid day skies turned bright blue, and the beaches below reflected gold.



We were still making good time, although we did miss the short cut across the bay that can only be crossed at low tide. no worries though, it took us about 30 minutes to do the round about way, and we got to see Cleopatra's Pool shown below. If you look closely and use your imagination, you can pick out a figure in the rock laying on her side. Very cool!

It was about 6 hours into the hike at this point, and our dogs were getting tired. In my most reassuring voice, I would tell Denise, "It should be just around the corner, just up ahead." She managed to call my bullshit, and it was a battle to see who could keep their sense of humor.

Towards the end of our hike, we did get to traverse this huge swing bridge.

As the map had indicated, we were getting close to our destination, and my efforts to announce that "it is just around the corner" started to make a bit more sense than 2 hours ago....