Day # 25

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I'm Sadie the cleaning lady.... Well after spending the evening in the camp laundry (with some strange South African dude who had lots of great fishing stories!) I thought I would treat myself to a cuppa hot chocolate, only to spill the full cup over the carpet and lounge seats! (should have stuck to white wine). Back to the laundry today to wash the pile of towels I had used to clean up my mess! This morning we set off early after a not so promising weather forecast. Walked down the beach (no not the 50km walk to the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour) then headed to the Gannet Colony. After assessing the walkway from flat rock up to the Gannet Colony I chose to use the alternative route it is after all the Safety Officers job to assess any risk. It was nearing high tide and the waves were crashing over the rocks. Watching some of the idiots who attempted (most of them got very wet and some washed off their feet!). You can see how lives are lost around these rocks. I say no respect of the sea, Lance says no understanding of the sea as most of them were tourists from countries with limited coastlines. Lance thought it was entertaining to watch as there were no injuries or anyone swept out to sea (I just shake my head in disbelief).

What fantastic views at the top of Otakamiro Point, several viewing platforms with information panels add to the experience. You look down across Muriwai to the North, Maukatia (Maori Bay) to the South, Motutara Island, and the Gannet Colony (No Gannets, but they are due home late July ready to met their 20yr life partners again). I did find one lone Gannet flying around. Obviously a lovesick early arrival. After a considerable time here we then headed up the Lookout track slightly further inland. Good views up and down this coast from here. Arrived back at camp just before the sky opened up. So time to kick off the walking shoes and download a book on the kindle and relax. Thinking about the last 25 days this would be the first afternoon we have had chilling, so we are going to enjoy😊. Will be on the move tomorrow to catch up with friends in Makarau for the weekend. If you don't know where Makarau is don't worry nor do we😊

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