Caving

Today has been mainly dry with only a little mizzle, and to make things feel even more like home, there is a lovely pong of cow shite in the air!
First we went to the Saturday market, a sea of dreadlocks, baggy trousers, a man dressed as a mushroom, lovely organic fruit and veg, fragrant soaps and ingenious recycling. Us girls then went off on an explore to find something for Himself''s impending birthday- success.
Joe and Simone had a meeting in the afternoon so Himself and I decided to do the Rawhiti cave trail. Oh boy, it was rugged and spectacular. First an amble through dense bush at the side of a huge river, then a very aerobic climb upwards clinging onto Vines and tree trunks as the path got steeper and skinnier and more skiddy. We even past some goats lurking in the undergrowth. The cave though was gobsmacking , I've never seen anything like it. A forest of razor sharp stalactites descending from the roof and it has the most impressive twilight zone flora of any cave in NZ. The descent was even more tricky and somewhat inelegant. I have also discovered sand flies.
We then headed to Pohara beach, almost deserted and heavenly. Perfectly fine to leap in in one's vest and knickers! First swim in the Pacific!