New Zealand 66 Our "torches" were an absolute joke

 We got ready, packed up and ate in the dark (our "torches" were an absolute joke but we did not know they were lousy until right about now!) It was very cold this morning and we had to cross barefoot because the water never fully recedes, there are many places at least ankle deep. The shells were everywhere and very sharp and our feet were numb from the cold, cold water. But the crossing was so amazing.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

New Zealand 65 - Day 4 - Whariwharangi Hut

 Anyway, we made our way back to the hut and I went straight to bed while Matt chatted it up for awhile with some Canadians (girls) making hemp bracelets. Again, whatever, I was exhausted.

We awoke at 5am sharp because low tide was at 4am and we had to cross by 6am at the latest.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

New Zealand 64 Awaroa

 
He crossed barefoot with the water at his waist holding his 50 kilo pack above his head for a solid ten minutes with shells cutting his feet the whole way. He said it was "all good". Whaaaaatever.

So these tides are pretty serious business and we had to face the same crossing the next morning but with enough sense to rise early and cross at low tide.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

New Zealand 63 "high tide"

 The rise and fall is so dramatic that if you are more than 2 hours beyond the appointed time, you either wait 12 hours for the next fall or cross up to your neck in water, not a safe thing to do as the current is very, very strong. We met a man at Torrent Bay who conveniently ignored the Awaroa tidal crossing warnings because, in his words, "a man can only wait so long".

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued)