Abel Tasman

Went back to Steven's bay to launch out for the overnight trip. I paddled north past the two big Kayaking launch sites Kaiteriteri and Marahau and head up past fisherman’s Island and Adele Island. Just as I hit the halfway point the weather turns and the winds pick up. I can see off in the distance the sea is covered in whitecaps heading this direction. So I land at the nearest beach and put on my spray jacket and helmet and head out. Just in time as the wind has picked up to 20kts and the wind waves are crashing over the bow. Not any thing scary at all. I’ve paddled in much bigger water back home but I was looking forward to a calm warm day after all the wind and rain I’ve been dealing with. I slog on through to my landing site at Mosquito Bay. I pull my boat up on the beach and start to unload the boat. The tide is out and the camping are is about 100 yrds away. When the tide comes back the beach will be only 15 yrds wide! They actually have a kayak parking area as there isn’t room on the beach the tide is up. Just as I start to unpack the rain starts. I decide that if I want to stay partly dry I will not set up In the camp but on the beach up against a wall of a cliff and its overhanging trees. I also start to construct a shelter with my tarp that I can put the tent under and have room enough to cook and get in and out of my tent with out getting water inside. So as I build my little camp site and construct my shelter the rain stops. But I dark grey clouds don’t go away so I stay put. Just then a double kayak pulls up to the beach and a couple jump out. As it turns out they are also camping at the site (there’s was the only other tent at the site when I arrived). I invite them down for a drink after they have stowed there stuff and changed. They come down an hour later with a box of wine. I impress them by having wine glasses although I’m drinking Rum and Cokes. They are from Switzerland and we have a great time on the beach. That night the rain comes and goes but its nothing like what I’ve been subjected to over the last week or so.