Today reached 30 degrees.

 February 2nd
 

Silly o'clock this morning and I nipped over to the camp pot washing area to wash my hair. Thought I would be early enough not to encounter anyone. With me was a towel and shampoo but clean forgot to bring a cup to scoop the water over my head. If anyone had come in whilst I was in the process of wetting my hair they would have thought me mad. The taps have ever such a slow flow and even with the plug in it took an age to get enough water to even cover a fraction of my hair. I had to be a contortionist to splash water over my head with my hand. That job done, shampoo was applied, a bit too much really because how was I going to get rid of the stuff. By now the sink had filled so in went I for a rinse. Needless to say it took longer than anticipated, several sink fills and a considerable amount of time before the job was done and just as I wrapped the towel around the hair, in came a lady. Phew, timed just right.

On the move before 9 am and heading for Owaka. Our water situation was getting a bit desperate and the nearest dump point was at that town. The route took us along the scenic southern highway where we encountered the first stop of the day. Matai Falls and historic rail walk,

  We had seen the falls a few years ago but had never done the historic rail walk. On went walking shoes, plenty of sandfly repellent and grabbed my, now impossible to do without, sticks. Off we set to do the rail walk. The path looked impossible, the incline was steep. There had to be some sort of traction of the Loco's wheels. Having gingerly descended, at the bottom was a sign with some information about the railway.

A deep cutting took us to the end of the line, barred by a gate but this photo on the board showed where the terminus was.

Back up that steep incline, only one stop to catch my breath (Ian reckons I have improved my stamina greatly) and we set off on another path for the Matai and Horseshoe Falls. 

Matai Falls

Horseshoe Falls

 We sweltered walking along that track, by now it was 25 degrees, lack of rain had diminished the amount of water coming over the top and this was to be the same when we came to Purakaunui Falls.

To get to Purakaunui Falls we came off the highway and on a gravel road. These falls too should have been spectacular, the leaflet we had on it showed a wall of cascading water. Today was more of a trickle. Loved the walk to get to it although with the day now heating up even more, the high humidity was extremely uncomfortable and a local had told us that the temperature would get as high as 30 degrees. Unheard of in these parts.

We were still on the way to Owaka when Ian saw a sign for Purakaunui Bay. It was about midday and sounded a great place to have lunch. Another dirt road to negotiate, 6 km of dust to contend with but wow it was worth the drive. Loads of dust thrown up, blast and just when the Toy had another wash a couple of days ago. We couldn't see out of the back window! A cattle lorry had arrived at this road seconds before we turned onto it, and with no breeze to speak of, the dust lingered for quite a while. We followed at a distance and was relieved when it turned off up a farm track. 

What we hadn't realised was this Bay was another DOC site and right by the beach. Water was on tap but to be boiled first and there were two long drop loos.  We decided there and then that to spend a couple of days chilling out at this lovely place, was a must. So having earmarked it, after lunch we continued to Owaka.

Dump point found at Owaka and with drinking water, rubbish bins also located (Trying to get rid of rubbish has always been difficult. The only bins to be found are usually in the larger towns) and right by the dump point was a notice. Hot showers to be had at the motel for the cost of $5. Well...this was too good an opportunity to pass by. Hmm, I just realised, my early hair wash over a sink this morning hadn't been necessary after all! Anyway money paid, as much hot water as we wanted and yes I washed my hair again!

It still peeved us slightly that the tide timing were wrong for Cathedral Caves. We finally had internet which meant we could check tide times. Tomorrow low tide was at 7.30am, we both decided then and there to return to the Papatowai DOC site where we had spent last night and set the alarm for an early start. From this site the caves were about 20 km away, probably only take about 15 minutes to get there. Hope this plan works because if we fail again there won't be another opportunity to try.

And seen on route

And wildlife

A hoverfly

Spoonbill

It is either a Pied or Black Stilt