Tramping, despite the rain

---

Geo: -35.2821, 174.091

It's evening now, about 7:31 PM and my last entry was this morning from Mangonui; I had been attaching more pictures when the power went out due to the rain. Here's how the day progressed: We drove to Cape Reinga--the place we were most looking forward to on this vacation, but especially me... The rain was horizontal and we were geared from head to sandaled-foot in rain gear as we ran down the path toward the much-anticipated lighthouse at the tip of the island. When we were standing right beneath it we could barely see its top for all the fog and we couldn't even hear the waves below for all the wind--driving at us like Mack trucks. So much for the picturesque seam of teal where the two massive bodies of water meet. But we had a good communal chuckle with the others who were braving the weather! Then we drove south again (the only direction to drive from the Cape) and stopped at the famous 90-mile beach. Let's just say thank goodness for that waterproof camera I told you about in my first entry! Again, rain. We ran down to the beach (dodging buses that drive touristos along the sand at high speeds), touched the water with our toes, waved to a few brave gulls, and ran back to our trusty El Cheapo. And finally, somewhere along the way we saw a sign for some glow worm caves and a Kiwi House. It was a 30-minute walk through dense jungle with complimentary umbrellas to see some awesome caves--full of glowing worm poo--and one shy nocturnal kiwi bird. The palm trees were dense and funneled rain down upon us by the gallon, but we were laughing and sloshing around in it just the same. Had the whole trail to ourselves! Lunch was tuna from a can with crackers and mustard--oreos for dessert. Yum! We're still glad to be here and are staying in Paihia again tonight at the Peppertree Backpackers Hostel. Tomorrow if the rain doesn't cease, we'll head straight for Auckland. Love and miss you all! Erin and Sean.

---

Photos

Driving Cows in the Driving Rain
On the way to Cape Reinga, near allegedly beautiful 90-mile beach

Nocturnal Park
In the rain before tramping through the jungle to see the glow worm caves and the lone kiwi bird

Waitiki Landing
20 km of gravel road before Cape Reinga