 |
| The infamous walking tree of Karamea |
We decided to travel to the West Coast through the Arthurs Pass, one of the three main passes between the East and West Coasts of the South Island. As we wanted to do our main food shop in Greymouth this one made the most sense. We planned to stay up in the tops of the hills that night, but when we got there it was snowing!! This is not a very common occurance for us when travelling in New Zealand so, although we were enchanted by the experience, we decided to keep on travelling through it as we couldn't afford to get snowed in when we were required to start a sit in a few days.
We arrived at Lake Brunner and enjoyed a cool but pretty night lakeside.
Knowing that we would not want to be travelling the hour or so between Karamea and Westport to do our shopping during our 10 week sit, we opted to stock up on all staple foods on the way through.
Of course, we couldn't resist stopping the night at one of our favourite fishing and freedom camping spots at the mouth of the Nile River, Charlston.
Arriving in Karamea we were delighted to meet our bosses for the duration.
 |
| Gelphy aka Scaredy Cat |
 |
| Pickles, 1yo Burmese x Ragdoll |
Gelphy was scared of his own shadow and many things were want to give him a fright, but he was oh so endearing, taking his spot on the sofa between us and scoffing down every morsel of fish on offer!
Every single day was an adventure to young Pickles. He is one of the most self assured, loving cat we have met to date! His only downfall was his penchant for hunting mice and rats. Now we know this is a good skill for a cat but bringing them in and chasing them around the house in the middle of the night is not so endearing!
Knowing that Karamea was a great place to fish off the coast, we couldn't wait to get started. The ocean did not disappoint. We were able to go surfcasting around 5 or 6 times during the 10 weeks of the housesit. The rest of the time the West Coast was busy living up to its reputation as a formidable force to be reconned with. Even landing some of these fish was risky at times and we lived by our code to never turn your back on the waves. But it was all worth if, being able to feed ourselves for the entirety of our stay here.
 |
Snapper, Gurnard and Kahawai all became part of our diet.
We had fun catching the sharks but they all got released. |
One day on the way to check out the surf, we were astonished to spot a wild Chamois in the farmers paddock. It seems to have come down from the nearby hills to enjoy some lush pasture. We have attempted to hunt these in the Molesworth and never got this close to one.
 |
| As interested in us, as we are in it |
We made some lovely meals with fish (but truth be told we were ready to expand our diet when we finally hit town again!)
 |
| Yummy ceviche |
We were also lucky enough to arrive at peak fig, fiejoa and apple season, all of which were growing on our property. Most of this friut go eaten and/or processed in many and varied ways - cakes, puddings, dried, stewed, frozen.
We were equally delighted that persimon season coincided with our stay and we were able to barter fish for a few bags of this lovely fruit.
Clare took the opportunity to attend a sourdough baking workshop being held in the next town. We enjoyed the outcome of this new hobby.
 |
| First loaves out of the oven |
 |
| English muffins |
 |
| Spicy fruit loaf |
When the weather was no good for fishing, James enjoyed metal detecting around the town.
 |
A mixed bag
|
 |
| Silvers - predecimal |
We went for a walk up Fenians Way looking for an old gold mine. We didn't find the mine, but we did find some truly amazing mushrooms.
 |
| The blue ones feature on the NZ $50 note |
Clare managed for complete some knitting missions ...
 |
| A cardigan for someone special |
 |
| A t-shirt for self |
 |
| Knitting al fresco |
 |
| Multi-tasking |
We had visitors for a few days. Janet and Keith came to experience all that the area has to offer.
 |
| James and Keith watching them rods |
 |
| Finding peace at the estuary |
 |
At the start of the Heaphy Track, one of the
great walks of NZ
|
 |
| Goodnighty!!! |
When it came time to leave, we only made it as far as Westport where we set up camp at Kawatiri Beach, just down the road from where some of Clare's family are from.
And enjoyed the most expensive Wild Tahr pie in the world!
And so the journey north begins ......
