Apologies aside, today started much like last... up at 6:15, but at 7:15 to Abel Tasmen, and very little excitement on the bus ride. Once we arrived at Marahau, our day began to divert from yesterday. Today we'd signed up for "freedom sea kayaking". In other words, we rented a tandem kayak and after some paperwork, lessons and ...approval... we headed out to sea. There had been some tips given, as the wind was strong and some of the swells were... huge (though they got even bigger when we landed in the afternoon).
We all (the group of kayaks doing this adventure) put into the water where a guide gave us all a practical. We were the first group released to go. (Steering is easier with a rudder...) Anyway, we headed straight for the first island on our list, Fisherman's Island. We made it to the small beach and landed. However it quickly came to our attention that we were about 15 mind before high tide, and this particular beech was about to we submerged. With all haste we hurried our way back out to sea. We turned the corner to the western side of the island where we found shelter from both wind and waves. Here we took a breather.
We then had a rough patch where we crossed between Fisherman's Island and Adele Island. Rough only in that the wind and waves were back, not that we had troubles. Once we made it to the island we were again sheltered and relaxed as we traveled up its coast. About halfway down we found a small triangular cave, just large enough for the kayak. We went in just enough (about a boat length) to see around the bend and that the cave continued. While holding our position I learned that the pull and push of the tides were VERY strong, so we quickly pushed ourselves back out. Our little adventure however got the attention and questions of a handful of other kayaks... none of whom braved the cavern even slightly. :)
Onwards to the northern end of the island, where rumor had it seals were hanging out. Upon rounding the turn we learned that seals were indeed hanging out. In total we passed I think... 6, all of whom were napping, cleaning or sleeping and one who went diving and swimming among the rocks. They were so cute! Sadly we were once again very exposed and turned around.
We headed back to the, mainland, but a beech we were unable to visit the previous day. We stopped for lunch, a break, and some time to hang out in the sun. Without too much pause we continued, but being almost two, we headed back towards where we'd turn in for the day. About halfway back, we spotter a bird in the water about 20 yards off. It was a penguin! While I do not know its technical name, its referred to as the "little blue penguin". It too was awesome.
That was our last site and it became a long haul back. Once we passed by Fisherman's island, the swells had to be ranging 3 or 4 meters from trough to crest. It was quite tiring to fight the back of the boat into line for them, and then back to an angle to cut towards the beech. I was able to get us past the beachhead, so that we could turn and ride the swells straight in. To my knowledge only one group flipped and it wasn't us. :) grinning aside I did then help them in...
The evening was pretty quiet. Some sleep while we waited for the bus, then more on the bus. We showered and went out to eat. We were back by 9 and Margaret went straight to bed. I'm down at the bar, swapping stories with a few people and writing to you. But, now i'm done and so I too will be off soon.
P.S. I have some pictures of the beeches and the cave, but none of the swells of wildlife. While I wish I could have, it took just about all my effort to keep us in live to get good views ourselves. So, sadface... miss everybody!
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