Pinnacles, floods and traps

 8th November

 Glorious start to the morning, excellent walking weather so slapping on the sun cream we set off for the 90-minute walk to the Putangirua Pinnacles. It was NOT the easy walk we had been told. In fact the path was very rocky, steep in places and the path (well if you could call it that) took us over the creek several times. A helping hand from Ian as we stepped over boulders made it easier. Anyway finally finding the creek bed that led us up to the Pinnacles, what a climb that was! But my goodness, how spectacular was the landscape and a tiny bit of the filming of The Lord of the Rings, Return of the Kingt took place here. Plenty of photos as per normal.

The route on the way back was not the same as we followed to the Pinnacles. As I said earlier, there is no path as such and all we knew was the creek was to be followed back to the car park. Oh, we followed it alright but letting Ian lead was a big mistake. He took me down some tricky paths and at one place perched precariously on a very small ledge! Thankfully I had with me my collapsable walking poles.  They make a sturdy support as I crossed from one boulder to the next.

See what I mean!

 On the board at the start of the walk it mentioned a return trip of 1 hour 30 minutes.

It took us three hours!!!

It was early afternoon when we left for Masterton.  From fabulous weather on the coast, going inland clouds obscured the sun and rain was ever present. Now when it rains in NZ by 'eck it rains! We had driven to The Warehouse for gas cylinders for the small gas stove, no sooner had we put one foot inside and the heavens opened. Boy did it come down. In fact 30 minutes of torrential rain, (we had to make a dash back to the Toy which Ian had parked the furthest away from the door...typical), and the streets became flooded!

 Went into our first NZMCA site. It was about time we had a shower and did some washing. First thing I did once set up was get the washing in the machine. Cost was $4 not too bad. 45 minute wash but only in cold water. Never mind, at least it will freshen everything up. When the time was up I returned only to discover to my horror the cycle had stopped before the spin. Everything was still dripping. Groan...both of us started to wring the clothes as best we could although trying to squeeze every last drop of water from jeans and jumpers well, almost impossible. Anyway we did the best we could, into the dryer went the T Shirts and undies. Another $3. Full heat for 45 minutes and still they weren't dry. So spending yet another $3 for second dry, this time it worked! The manager will have to be informed tomorrow, hopefully he may refund our money! The only problem now is getting the rest dry. Awning went up, guy ropes attached to legs and well pegged in case the wind picks up. A line was stretched across from one side to another and the clothes left to drip overnight. We need the sun back and fast!

Before finishing this post I must show you these photos

They are traps and found tucked on small side paths on the walk today. New Zealand is a unique country with a diverse range of fauna and flora, all native to the country. Unfortunately long ago Possums were introduced from Australia and now have a significant impact on many of New Zealand’s natural ecosystems. This is a must-read so READ IT 

Not that I'm a fan of any sort of animal trapping. my view is that it's cruel but before all you KiWi's have a go I fully understand the reason why. This is one heck of a country and should stay that way. 

So now to the wildlife

This moth was rescued. It had got a wing trapped in those twigs.

And I rescued this bug. It was attached to the spiders web strand.

Well disguised.