Abel Tasman Waves

(written Feb 12) Before departing NZ we were pumped to get in some sea kayaking around Abel Tasman National Park, at the northerly tip of the south island. The views were awesome, but my less-than-steel stomach had a rough go of things on the rocking ocean. The scenery and seal sightings were worth it. Also, Bill looked pretty fine on the beach.

This was each of our first attempts at sea kayaking on water that wasn't land-locked, and it was satisfying but hard work to make progress against the wind and current. When Bill finished his book, Kon Tiki, he passed it along to me. The adventure story of land-lubbers striking out on a home-made balsa wood raft to cross the sea certainly has my admiration; however, it makes me nauseated just to think about it.

From here, we leave NZ and head to French Polynesia for a few days, for a little rest and recovery.