New Zealand 2016,  Travel

NZ Kayaking at Okarito Lagoon (Tuesday, February 16)

This was a 7 AM start day. Baz came from the kayaking operation at Okarito Lagoon and drove us to where we’d pick up the kayaks. I say “operation,” but it’s essentially Baz and his partner Gemma. They were great at outfitting us, explaining everything, and then when we got back, Gemma had cooked us lunch. But I’m getting ahead of myself!

Today was a “self-guided” kayak experience. Baz explained all about how to navigate across the lagoon and into the rain forest area (“going out, sticks on the left; coming back, sticks on the right”). They got us into the boats and we pushed off.

I didn’t take many pictures, but a few. The first bird we saw was a white heron. I didn’t take a picture of that because we have them in Fort Worth so it wasn’t at all unusual. Mostly I got water and vegetation.

This was about a three-hour kayak; just about perfect. I was definitely ready to be back, though. We had the great lunch Gemma had prepared. Then while the rest of the crew went off for an afternoon hike, I took the opportunity to get some quiet time to catch up on some reading and rest. It was lovely to have some quiet time. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Then it was back to town and now I’m writing this! I’m getting it done before dinner, which will be in our little complex here. I hear we’re having a Kiwi roast tonight (no, we’re not eating Kiwi 🙂 ). Then another good night’s sleep and we’ll head tomorrow for our next day’s hike. Right now, it’s time to get this uploaded, take a shower, and have a leisurely evening.

Later!