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As we emerged from the depths of night, the sun was shining.
We headed inland to Lake Brunner. Yes, yet another picturesque lake with a mountainous backdrop. Taking a diversion off the beaten track, we passed the much smaller but still beautiful Lady Lake.
Then it was back to the coast road, where we stopped at The Strongman Mine Memorial, marking a local mining disaster. Set right next to the coast, there are also some lovely views. We moved a bit further up the coast to stop off for a light picnic lunch of ham, cheese, crackers and crisps. Sitting at the side of the main west coast highway on the way to one of the top tourist attractions of the area in the middle of the day, it was noticeable just how quiet it was due to the lack of traffic.
We then continued to that top tourist attraction, at Punakaiki. Here is one of nature's wonders, The Pancake Rocks. This is a formation of rocks that resemble stacks of pancakes, and are a stunning sight. There are also a couple of blowholes. We hung around and saw The Chimney blow, and heard the aptly named Sudden Sound. Literally, you'll be standing by it and then hear a sudden rush of noise and see the surrounding vegetation shudder from the shock waves.
Naturally, at the Pancake Cafe I had to sample their pancake stack with maple syrup and bacon. Very tasty!
Our next stop was Taurangi Bay. A beautiful bay where a short walk took us to a lookout over a seal colony. There were a number of fur seals sunning themselves on the rocks. Just up the road is the attractively named Cape Foulwind and lighthouse. Fortunately, the cape didn't live up, or indeed down, to its name with either the aroma or strength of the wind.
We then checked in to our accommodation in Westport before parking ourselves at The Town House for a dinner of steak for me and lamb for Bro.
Again today we were lucky with the weather. We drove through some threatening clouds but at each of our stopping points we were greeted by glorious sunshine and avoided the rain, even when it bucketed down while we were eating.
Today's driving distance: 300km
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