Feb 4 late afternoon

Torrent Bay itself wasn't very thrilling. As for destinations, the first beach was the best. Maybe I shouldn't've let the ticket seller talk me into reversing our journey.

(Chunlin's photo above)

But only there for a short while -- had to wait for a second boat -- and now we're back in Kaiteriteri. The sight of eighteen tourists up to their knees in the water as the boat pulls away must've been entertaining for all.

Feb 4 afternoon

Bright hot sun. Need sunglasses on top of the ones I'm wearing.

(Chunlin's photo above)

(Chunlin's photo above)

The walk to Torrent Bay had more views and creek crossings than the previous leg.

Feb 4 midday

Walk up and over to Tonga Quarry beach. The beaches all have yellow sand, turquoise water. Can stay forever at any of them, it feels like. Camping is permitted.

A longer up and over to Bark Bay. We took the low-tide route down even though it's high tide. The trail just dives into the water. Sitting on some rocks in the shade, watching the people and boats across the still water. Good place for kayaking. The tide is still coming in. My boot is starting to get wet.

(Chunlin's photo above)

(Chunlin's photo above)

(Chunlin's photo above)

Long walk around Bark Bay to the beach. I went swimming. Fairly cold, actually, but it feels good. I then had the problem of how to sit down without getting my shorts completely sand-covered. Chunlin's poncho to the rescue. She's sprawled out sleeping beside me.

Feb 4 morning

We awoke to a sunny day and caught a 9:00 boat north into the park.

Saw some seals dozing & playing about on Tonga Island -- sticking one flipper up in the air and just floating there like that.

We disembarked at a lovely large beach called Onetahuti. Some little caves at the south end.

Quote of the Whatever

RIMMER: Morning, Lister! How's life in hippie heaven, you pregnant-baboon-bellied space cookie? What's the plan for the day then? Slobbing in the morning, followed by slobbing in the afternoon, then a bit of a snooze before the main evening's slob? God, you're a disgrace to the species.

-Red Dwarf, "Future Echoes"

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