New Zealand 42 My Leather Portfolio

 We awoke early but really took our time getting ready this morning.

We were determined to get everything sorted out with the walk and had every intention of getting on the track. Around ten or so, Matt says, have you seen my leather portfolio?

No, I said, nonchalantly and unconcerned, for I was still plucking and applying eyeliner. 30 minutes later when Matt was frantically turning everything out of the van with an exasperated look on his face I decided maybe I should look around a bit.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

New Zealand 41 A Nice Fat Kebab

 
We were just trying to get to the basics like, where can we rent sleeping bags?, do we need a pot to boil water?, how much food and water should we carry?

Unable to get answers to any of these very important questions, we decided to call it a day, get a nice fat kebab for dinner and try again tomorrow morning.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

New Zealand 40 Cryptic

 Speaking with these guys can be cryptic at best and we were struggling a bit with their instruction. 

For some reason they treat you, very cordially, as if you are an old pal who has walked the track many times in the past and you already know exactly what to expect. 

 "Now, mind the sandflies at Totaranui (wherever the heck that is?!) , you'll need to put on your insect repellant at that picnic bench rest area (oh, that one, of course) before you get to the campsite (what campsite?).

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

New Zealand 39 Motueka

 We arrived late afternoon on the 15th in Motueka, a small town of little consequence but a good place to make preparations to get on the Abel Tasman Track. Matt and I were really excited to get on the walk as it is classed as an "easy" walk with outstanding views. We spent some time at the local DOC (department of conservation) trying to understand exactly what we would need to be fully equipped for the walk.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued)