Tora, checking out the wild south east coast

It was a particularly cold day for that time of year, went through Martinborough and and off out to the south east corner and over some hills where there was wind turbines,  that tells you something, but no pictures we were in thick fog. When  we dropped out below the hills, there was a very rugged and dangerous coastline. The swell would have easily been 5 meters, and the temp barely got above 12 degrees.  There is an interesting seal colony there, but too rough that day to check it out. Went south to the station at Tora, and north to another one At Te Awaiti, sp. Both had locked gates but the northern one was Ron by DOC

Off to Riversdale

A pleasant day slightly overcast, and off for a picnic lunch to Riversdale, Lynley had a paddle of her kayak in the estuary followed by a swim, then lunch. After lunch we walked about a km up the beach, past a rocky outcrop where people were fishing and diving.
I noticed the flags were very close together on the beach, clearly there are a few nasty rips around. Riversdale is quite a long beach, probably 3 km long at least. I noticed a lot of quad bikes on the beach, as well as other vehicles. My foot had had enough by the time we got back to the car, but it was pleasant to be able to walk barefoot on the sand again. Very enjoyable.  I paid for it though with sunburn as always even though I was doused in sunblock. On the way back we noticed emergency vehicles, both police and ambulance racing towards the beach. It turned out a man had drowned despite the best efforts of the life guards at the beach. He had been diving at the northern end of the beach.
Hmm mm unable tp post photos!

Travelling to Masterton

Left at 0430 hrs, some what late, but early enough to avoid traffic. Police screaming north on southern motorway, never did find out what that was about. 7 or 8 cars, so something was up.
 Drizzle through the dams and onto the desert road, still not much traffic to speak of, until the Tukino turn off, when Ruapehu suddenly popped out, no photo as I was driving.
Quite pleasant, until the gorge when the traffic increased and there was a howling gale at Woodville.  Behind annoying camper vans who think it acceptable to travel at 60kpm on highway 2. No wonder we have a horrendous road toll. They never look in the mirror, or give way. Never mind, got there around 11 30 hrs,  so not bad.