West Coast

Hi all,
Hope you all had a wonderful day. We left this morning in a dense fog and rain across the mountain pass--headed for the west coast of NZ. The sun opened up as we arrived in Greymouth and filled up our very (scary) empty gas tank. We explored the Pancake Rock formations on the Tasman Sea--they are truly one of the most unusual, interesting and beautiful wonders of nature. We hiked along a river that took us into a massive limestone gorge with tree ferns and tropical grasses arcing from towering walls. The lush green was occasionally interrupted by the crimson red of December flowering rata trees. The trees are shaped like giant broccoli trees, except that the tops are this brilliant red. A clear olive green river meandered through the gorge. It was a little warm, and with the humidity, it seemed like we were in Hawaii. We then drove up the coast to Westport and landed the last motel room in this hick town. We had one of the best Indian meals that we have ever had--what a surprise! We leave tomorrow--headed back to the west with a few days stay in St Arnaud. We continue to see new and fresh things, and also realize how lucky we are to be in Oregon--its beauty matches anything in the world. Much love, L