It rained overnight.  We experienced the lush forest interior of Abel Tasman National Park. After breakfast, we were provided picnic lunches by the Lodge and then we boarded a water taxi that took us to Mutton Cove.  From there we hiked to Separation Point at the northern tip of the park.  Next we did a loop above Whariwharangi and then we hiked along the Abel Tasman Track back to the Lodge.  We reached the Awaroa Inlet about 4 p.m. just before low tide.  The inlet was almost empty!  We crossed the inlet bottom which was covered with mussels in Tevas or socks and then waded across the remaining stream.  Then we hiked mostly barefoot along the beach back to the Awaroa Lodge. (Day total: estimate 10-12 mi.)

The "Blind, Halt, and Lame (?)"
(Ann, Jenni, and Sally)


The water taxi


On the beach, getting ready to trek

Again it rained over night.  Today we got an early start and hiked 3 hours in rain and drizzle from Awaroa to Bark Bay (estimate 5-6 mi.).  There   we caught a water taxi for our return to Kaiteriteri Beach and lunch. After lunch we reboarded the green bus and drove south to Nelson Lakes National Park.  First we stopped at the Park's visitor center in St. Arnaud.  Then we checked in to The Yellow House, our accommodations for the night.  Several of us took a short walk on the Bellbird path near Lake Rotoiti before dinner at a local restaurant (estimate 1 mi.).  (Day total: estimate 6-7 mi.)