Puriri Bay

Whangaruru was a basic sort of camp, but very pleasant being on the water. We all took a walk along the beach to the next bay which was really pedestrian only, but the access was also used by cars who had baches along this bay, as there was no other way of getting there.

The walk was very pleasant, and after a bit of shell collecting we ambled back. Tina and I managed to get a load of washing dry each, after we repaired the outside line ourselves! As I said, a bit of maintenance was needed all around.

The next day we headed off again to the Puriri Bay DOC Camp. Access to this camp was down quite a steep hill, so we really had to trust our brakes as the gate to the camp stretched right across the road near the base of this hill. Camp Commandant informed us that the camp wasn’t actually open until Saturday, and this was Wednesday, but she told us she would allow us to park in the carpark, no negotiation. The bay was beautiful, and we had seen some quite big fish jumping just a little was along, so we decided to stay.

Bruce and I didn’t take too long to get out the fishing rods, but despite our best efforts we caught nothing. I tried using some oysters off the rocks as bait, but I think the crabs ate that.

That nighit was our turn to cook dinner for Tina and John. However, most of the cooking was done by my son Steve who had given us some of his brisket to take away with us. We couldn’t have had a nicer meal – thanks Steve! Tina gives you a 10/10 and would like to contract you for ongoing supply!

That night Bruce and I enjoyed a bit of a stroll along the beach in the other direction. It is clear that erosion is also a problem here. The owners had told Tina and John about the mess that Cyclone Gabrielle had left behind, and all the work they had to do, as a couple, to clean it up!