ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK (17/08/09)
Finally the cloud and rain had cleared and we awoke to a cloudless blue sky and bright sunshine. Eager to make the most of it we headed to our chosen section of the Abel Tasman NP coastal track. The forest on approach is full of these magnificent tree ferns as well as literally thousands of other plant species all jostling for space on the crowded forest floor.
An hour or so's walk brought us to this pristine beach, once again making us grateful of our winter visit since in summer this stretch of coastline is among the most visited in the country. We didn't see another soul the entire day.
So excited was Liz to be back at the beach that she ran straight to the water's edge misjudging the distance the tide was coming in. One soaking pair of shoes, socks and trousers later we stopped briefly to try and dry them in the sun before realising that even in winter biting sandflies still live, and bite, on these beaches.
Interestingly eroded limestone rocks dot the beaches.
Some are massive! This tunnel would have been gradually eroded over thousands of years.
Eventually the relentless waves will erode this pillar so much that it will snap sending the large boulder on top tumbling into the sea.
The park contains a fascinating blend of eco-systems- the lush temperate rainforest meets directly with the rugged coastal rocks.
Just in this picture you can see tree ferns, ground fern, several species of tree and grasses as well as many species of fungi and lichen growing on the tree trunks.
Up on one of the headlands we had this phenomenal view.
Probabaly in an area where a large tree had fallen young trees grow densely competing for light. Eventually one or two will grow bigger than the rest finally starving them of the light they need.
Still satisfied with our glorious morning of weather the cloud finally caught up with us mid afternoon and we took it as a sign to head back.
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