From Tapotupotu we headed south (or probably more correctly East) to Spirits Bay.
Pat and Sue took the lead leaving us to follow in their dust.
After 15 dusty kilometres we arrived at the DOC Camp and settled in for our stay. Not too many others in when we arrived and in fact there were never a lot of people in the camp during our stay.
The south end of the bay with a small island just off shore, able to be reached at low tide for fishing.
Looking toward the west and Cape Reinga.
On the hillside opposite the DOC camp there was this well balance rock. Looking quite different from different angles.
Well out in the open in the middle of one of the larger paddocks in the camp was this Plover nest which had been plundered by some predator.
There are a large number of German tourists in the various DOC camps we have been in. This one was very keen on hang gliding but the wind was too strong for him to be able to fly so he was practising on the ground.
After the stone fields at Te Paki it was interesting to see a similar feature of the sand dunes at the west end of the bay The wind was obviously eroding the dune by blowing away the sand. This has left the heavier stones so that the dune is slowly being eroded to a stony ridge.
Another tropical day in the Far North
In parts the beach is covered with a deep layer of these coloured shells.
And some people found the sand and sandcastle making irresistible.
On a day that was less than perfect the brooding clouds provided a cover for Cape Reinga and a gloomy backdrop to the beach.
On one of many exploratory walks along the sand dunes I came across these bushes that had been reduced to mere stalks on the front and top of the dune but had hidden their leaves and fruit on the inland lee side of the dune. They are obviously very tenacious and manage to live in what must be for them a very hostile environment.
Another day and another fishing expedition along the beach. This time just in time to see the sun set.
Pat continues to fish on!!
Sooner or later the week marches on and it is Sunday again and time for brunch.
Next morning there is a very dramatic sky to start the day. Not often if ever seen by other members of the group, so I guess this is the first time they have seen this time of day for a long time.
And then the day wakens to improve the spirits at Spirits Bay
A heron on the lookout for breakfast.
One day we drove to Te Hapua to try our luck at fishing. On the way into the settlement we saw this very typical Ratana Church . We have seen a number in our travels with the emblematic signs on every one and the reference to Alpha and Omega on the pillars of the church.
A somewhat distorted boat in the harbour at Te Hapua. The angle of the photo makes it appear much worse. It is in fact a double ended boat with a bow at both ends. The cabin top (which one assumes is aft) creates a strange perspective.
From the wharf at Te Hapua one can see the fertiliser building at Paua.
And on can also see the silica sands at the mouth of Parengarenga Harbour.
The next day we headed to Paua and tried fishing off the wharf in front of the fertiliser shed. After many hours Pat finally caught a fish which, after some struggle turned out to be a stingray. It was duly returned to the sea.
Following our forays using Spirits Bay as a base it was finally time to move on to Rarawa.