Nelson to Takaka (and back)

Heading on from Nelson (by land yacht), we traveled across a mountain range with spectacular views (and a gut churning roadway) to Takaka and Pupu Springs.

First the gut wrenching part — a view across the fertile land.

On the rise thru the mountains.

At the top, we stopped at Hawkes Lookout and did a short walkabout.

The rock formations were spectacular.

And the views even better. You can get a pretty good sense of the road looking back down the valley.

This is looking back over Abel Tasman Park and Bay. It doesn’t look like this many days of the year.

More views along the way.

Some sheep stuff that I was instructed to take – no “sheet” (but good for dinner).

Somehow, I must have forgotten to take pictures in Takaka – Deb was shopping and I was yawning. Anyway – if you like artsy craftsy communities – this is your gig.

We also went to “World Famous” Pupu springs. I won’t say that the self proclamation was full of “poo poo”, but it was close. The springs are quite beautiful and the clarity is impressive. The water flow is equally impressive, but, sadly, the whole shooting match could use some TLC.

Finally, a few shots of logging in NZ. It is truly a regenerative and commercial affair. The best of the terrain is reserved for better purposes and the steep mountainsides are reserved for growing timber. You can see form these shots that all pines are hand planted – and then they are hand trimmed to insure uniform size. A monstrous job that requires you are be as strong as a grizzly and as nimble as a mountain goat. No thanks.

Not sure what happened to these guys, but someone was heartbroken at expended labor with no return.

Nest post – time to get back to our gal and hit the water again.