Pancakes revisited and Trumans track twice.

 January 7th

It's been a funny sort of day, no plans at all other than return to Punakaiki. And all because of a photo!

Those steps cut out of the pancake rocks, the ones that narrowed considerably and for big people like me a bit of a squeeze. (A reminder of steps photo)

Well Ian took my photo on his phone, it didn't come out well, made me look as if I'm looking into one of those fairground distorted mirrors. Anyway he wasn't happy, and as we had to go in that direction to get to Greymouth, he was determined to get another.

But first we stopped at Truman Track. I had read somewhere it was worth a walk, if not for the beach which was why most people went, but the walk through the forest also had its merits. This from Truman Track Walking and Tramping

Truman Track is a walk through unspoiled subtropical forest where podocarp and rātā trees tower above thickets of vine and nīkau palms.The track emerges on a spectacular coastline with cliffs, caverns, a blowhole and a waterfall that plummets straight onto a rock-strewn beach. Get spectacular coastal views from a viewing platform. A stairway provides access to the beach.

It took roughly a 15-minute hike to get to the beach, and they weren't wrong about those trees.

I forgot my sticks. I wonder if these would do instead!

Nikau palm leave.

Rimu Tree

Arriving at the platform it was noticeable that most of the beach had disappeared. High tide was in an hour, and I was disappointed not to be able to walk to the dramatic rock formations along the coastline. 

Then a plan formed in my head. How about we spend more time at Pancake rocks, wait for high tide, go for lunch and then come back to Truman Walk for a second time to await the fall of the tide. Well that is exactly what we did.

So now to that photo prompting our return to the Pancake rocks.

And here is the one from today

Those blow holes were even more spectacular, and because it was a Saturday, more people milling about. We walked twice around the paths, taking our place when a gap appeared to admire the force of nature and then moving on to allow those waiting a chance to admire them too. Took lots more photos of those Terns as well.

After an hour we made our way back to the carpark, had a cup of tea and lunch at the Toy and then made our way back to Truman Walk.

The tide was on the turn, but we still had to wait another 30 minutes before it was safe to enter the beach. So very glad we came back. Those natural sculpture made from waves and wind were amazing and as to that small waterfall...both of us took turns in going behind it.

And this was the parting photo. There is a quote saying 'Make memories and leave nothing behind but your footprints' and we did just that.

 Made the outskirts of Greymouth and stopped at Cobden Beach. It was busy, plenty of motorhomes, campers, sleeper cars and buses. 

 And seen on route

Pohutukawa tree in full bloom

 And at the car park. I hope all those pen marks can be removed before the van is returned to the hire company.

 

And wildlife

Cicada

Oyster catchers

Two different speed settings. (shutter priority) 1/250

And this at 1/500

I think they are white fronted Terns,