By Sam Kenney (Nursing ‘20)
Today we left The Barn where we spent the night and headed to Abel Tasman National Park! We rented sea kayaks from Abel Tasman Kayaks (https://www.abeltasmankayaks.co.nz/) and set out around 10am. After being trained on how to kayak by ‘Captain MIKEY’, we took a quick tractor ride out to the water and paddled around a bit to get the hang of things. Once we set out, we paddled to Fisherman Island, a quick stop on the way to the campground. It was only supposed to take three hours, but we didn't make it until nearly 3 in the afternoon! The wind was pretty strong and the waves were very rough. Although we were all very tired (and a couple sunburned or seasick), it was very satisfying to have finished the 12 kilometer kayak ride and everyone had a good sense of accomplishment. We then had a nice lunch of peanut butter and jelly, pitched our tents, and hung out on the beach.
Harley Illingworth (Nursing ‘20) and Nick Terzulli (Nursing ‘19) training in the kayaks at the Abel Tasman Kayak facility in Marahau!
The ‘Anchorage’ campground, in Torrent Bay, was very picturesque, and our campsite was just a short walk from the water. Throughout the woods, the sound of cicadas, mallard ducks (yes, introduced from North America!), and the occasional Morepork (one of the few owls left in New Zealand) was heard while camping. We swam a bit and threw the rugby ball around before heading in to make dinner. While the tide was out, there was lots of starfish and even a sand dollar washed up on the beach. At the end of the beach were some small caves to explore. Around 6pm, we fired up the camp stoves and had quesadillas for dinner. Soon after dinner, everyone turned in for bed after quite a long day.
Hanging out on the beach following a massive paddle from Marahau.
Torrent Bay and the Anchorage campground beach that we called home for a few days.
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