Monday brought showers so we lay in and headed into Coromandel town for lunch. We spent an hour exploring the quirky Driving Creek Railway (thx mum and dad - good recommendation); good fun although dampened a little by the rain and low cloud. I'm sure the views are great on a fine day!
Our first dirt road coated the van in mud, gave us the chance to hug a giant Kauri tree, and deposited us on the east coast where we made camp for the night right on the beach. Not much of a view sadly, due to the ongoing rain situation. Tuesday morning we hit the road to get some miles in and give the rain a chance to clear.
A couple of hours cruising down the coast brought us to the Karangahake Gorge. This was definitely a highlight thus far: The road winds along the side of the steep, forested gorge, above a rushing river, all sweeping curves. Everywhere are the remnants of the gold and silver mining that thrived in this area 100 years ago. We stopped to explore one of the many paths in the area, heading up a side gorge past the ruins of the main mine workings, now all wreathed in ferns and moss. From there the path picked up an old mine tramway that eventually disappeared into the cliff. We went in after it, torch in hand, and threaded our way through the wall of the gorge itself. This was great - regular windows in the tunnel gave us views from high in the cliff wall of the gorge and we even go to see some glow-worms! K was super-brave and actually enjoyed it, I think!
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View over the Karangahake Gorge |
Last night we barbecued ourselves some homemade lamb burgers last night (yum!) and this morning we are debating plans. We had intended to head down the west coast and explore the surf beaches, but the forecast for the next few days is rain so maybe deserted beaches aren't the best option...
4 comments:
V. glad to hear you are enjoying yourselves, despite the weather. The latest photos bring back happy memories for your mum. Enjoy and take care.
BTW English blogs should only have comments in English!!!!
M&D
Oh, forgot to ask for evidence that you are travelling in a motor home.
Mum
Så vackert ni har det, var det inte läskigt i tunneln, hu, och Kristin klarade av att se orm, fantastiskt. Var rädda om er, och fortsatt trevlig resa. Här är allt bra, stickar sockar till Anders och Christina till julklapp. Puss
Thanks for the comments! Motor home photos will follow shortly :-)
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