Day 1 . . .

This strip of farm land beside the coast is dotted with cabbage trees.  They are a New Zealand icon. We were staying with friends in a little bach/house on this farm.  I took my camera down to the beach and walked careful over these stones.  It had been a cold night but the day was mild and there was no wind which is unusual for this area.  Extras: When the waves wash out the rounded stones tumble and make the most delightful sound.  Paua or abalone are common on this coast and many shells wash up. This jigsaw puzzle of shapes are the remains of a whale that beached.  The Maori people are taking some bone for carving.