Sunny and Beautiful Kaikoura

Hey all,
Now I know we're relaxing--we did our laundry this morning before anything else.
Yesterday afternoon we hiked into the bush just below Mt Fyffe. Before we started out we met an Irish man and his son, who were making their way to Queenstown to his other son's wedding. Declan and Cormac--just another couple of wonderful people that we have met on this journey--it gives me hope that the world is not completely screwed up. We then headed up the trail which was initially through farmland and then into dense, dark, jungle-like bush. One of the strangest hikes we have taken--not sure what it was--just dark and humid which made me want to step up the pace and get back into the cow pastures.
This afternoon we hiked the peninsula (again). This time the winds were not 50mph, but gentle and warm. We hiked the cliffs above the ocean to the South Bay and then turned around and hiked down to the rocky shore and watched the birds and seals and the every changing waves and clouds. We took our time--taking in every shape and color--knowing that we will probably not see it again. We then watched a storm roll in from the south and work its way up the coast towards us. The swells in the ocean increased and waves began to roll in larger and more frequently. The black oyster catchers were squawking at us and swooping toward us for coming too close to their nests. We stayed until 6pm or so and then made that last trip out from the point, passing the BBQ seafood shack, the old wharf and through the small, but busy town full of sun seeking tourists. We dropped all our extra food off at the local hostel. We then had the best Indian food we have ever had anywhere--OMG--Northern Indian food that made us sweat to the point of dripping. It was lovingly prepared by a Sikh couple who came to the table and before we ordered said: Order anything on the menu and we will make it so that it is the very best that you will ever have. Wow--they weren't kidding!
Tomorrow we catch a boat at 6:45 am and head out 7 miles into the Pacific Ocean to hang with the whales. When we return midday we will drive south to Gore Bay and spend the last three days here on the beach. It's been wonderful, but we are ready to come home. Sending you all much love, Linny