Underlining yesterday's theme, the settings of our last two days could hardly be more different. You wouldn't have wanted to go near the 98-degree C sulphur ponds of Hell's Gate (I liked the management notice that 'Anyone throwing stones into the sulphur ponds will be asked to retrieve them'), while today's water was nigh-on irresistible.
We've tried to make the most of each of our stops, and we probably succeeded again today - taking a boat trip around the Coromandel coast, including the famous Cathedral Cove. Beautiful beaches, unique rock formations and clear water. Plenty of opportunity for photos (taken up by both of us) and snorkelling (taken up by one).
This is clearly a holiday area. We took the boat from Whitianga, which has a permanent population of 5,000 and a summer one of 35,000.
Our campsite is by the beach this time, facing west, and we've had two great sunsets. Like dolphins, sunsets are not something we've previous had much luck seeing. A tough choice for tonight's picture between the beaches and sunsets, but the latter just wins out.
On to another different setting tomorrow: the big city Auckland. Some special U3A appointments there on Monday, then we'll push on further north, trying to ignore the reality that our adventure must end before too long.
Beautiful photograph!
ReplyDeleteCan I ask if there's anything about the UK that you've missed since you've been away and that you can look forward to enjoying again on your return?
A variation of the sulphur pond notice (just typed 'pong' by mistake!)-'Anyone caught throwing stones into the Millwall away fans section will be asked to retrieve them....'