Bit dark in there Ian.

Gosh, last night was wild with all that rocking and rolling. T'was because of the wind before your mind's head off in a different direction and by morning the wind had dropped, and we woke to calmer conditions. A treat was in store as Ian cooked a lovely full breakfast, (I had to wash up though) Before we set off, a look at the map revealed a symbol of a limestone cave near Clifton, and we thought we may as well go to explore. Found the cave down one of the side roads, headed off wearing sensible shoes, read the notice and immediately returned to RP. This cave was one to self explore and the advice was not to proceed in heavy rain (flooding) and to carry at least two sources of light. Well, it hadn't rained so both of us were game but only Ian had a light source and that was from the phone. A quick check to make sure the phone was fully charged and in we went.

Going in!

2nd exit

No, we did not get right to the end. Truth be told we never made it to the second entrance because of lack of light, low headroom and slippery floor. We did, however, find the second entrance above ground and entered it from that direction. As for exploring the whole cave system...what do you think we are...totally insane!

Not far from the Caves was Clifton suspension bridge. This is also a lovely site for freedom camping and one to put on our places to stay when next we visit. And what, I hear you ask, had got into Ian? Was it me that encouraged him? No of course not!

Had lunch at Monkey Island lookout, Oripuki. By now the wind had increased and RP was continually being buffeted. Looked at the weather for Bluff and being by the coast the wind gusts exceeded 100km/h. We had thought of going into a paid site but happened upon this great Free site overlooking the bay. Wow, the views were good and those waves...Decision made, this will do for the night. Looks like another rocky and rolly evening ahead of us.

Monkey Island only accessible at low tide.

Through the windscreen

Tomorrow Stewart Island. If this wind keeps up it will be a very interesting crossing.


and wildlife

Hitch Hiker inside the hinge on the door.

Tom Tit

Found something juicy on this car windscreen wiper

Spur Winged Plover

Terns