Takaka to Richmond |
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Friday the 14th sees another clear, bright day. We drive with Andrew and Rachel into Takaka for breakfast and then back to the B&B to sort a few things then back to town for lunch; dana driving... We are very much enjoying the company and chatty/dhamma conversation. After lunch we drive to Wharariki Beach - about 45km north of Takaka. What a stunning piece of coastline with the Archway Islands prominently off the shore. The tide is out so there is a massive sandy short to wander. We spend several hours walking, resting, photoing and generally appreciating the beauty; it is a popular spot with about 30 other doing much the same. It is relatively late afternoon as we head back to the B&B, take a shower, meet for chanting and meditation. As we are leaving for out tents venerable Javano spots the lunar eclipse in the east. Another 'wow' moment to add to our list. Bed...
The lunar eclipse from the balcony at the Rangihaeata B&B.
and breakfast... with a few cups of coffee with long chats and discussion and a sharing of our respective photos. Back into town for lunch. A visit to the supermarket for some requisites and a very drawn out and heartfelt goodbye. We use the loo (timing :) and we are back on the road. Adam the artist stops and we travel on probably not much more than 20km to a point where the Takaka river runs close to the highway. We agreed that after the relatively busy B&B time we would appreciate some solitude and silence so we walk down the river and find a lovely camping spot, have a nice swim/bath and spend the rest of the day/evening quietly abiding.
Paradise probably looks something like this - shiny - and clean.
We push through the riverside bush to walk across the field back to the road. We are in the middle of nowhere but have a nice straight stretch so we are easily seen. There is not much traffic but eventually Tai Ti stops and takes us through to Motueka Sunday market - we are back here again. We pause at the bus stop for a few moments to get our bearings when Tommy, in full leathers, pulls up on his Harley. "What are you guys doing?" he asks. We give our usual explanation and without hesitation he offers to help. Walking through the market he shares the story of his two sons having committed suicide! That we evoke such easy trust is assuing. He takes us to the Indonesian food stall where he pays for our meal - and leaves. After eating we walk to Thorpe Bush and have a coffee on the lawn then wander back to the road. Crista and Craig give us a lift... they are going to Mapua so... that's where we're going. They are local so we explain our need to find a camp spot and after they discuss this we end up at McKee Memorial Scenic Reserve - a paid location. They are standing outside the office (which is closed) figuring out how to pay when the manager turns up. Et, voila... we have a legitimate, paid for campsite. Another 'wow' thank you.
The early morning light shines down on our modest breakfast cafe.
The morning is clear and bright we pack and begin walking into Mapua. Traffic is almost non-existant but I stick out my thumb and behold... a car stops. It is the camp site manager who takes us to the pier. It is only 9.30 so we are very early for pindapat. We stand and wait, the sun is quite hot. And we wait. Staff from both cafes offer a little. Claudia arrives. We met me at Bodhinyanarama a couple of years prior and she and is keen to offer but has no money so she plans to go home to get some food. A Thai lady has also joined us and suggests that we should go to the temple in Richmond. Rain is imminent so we agreed and plan to meet at 2.30. Claudia returns and we now have a good, healthy meal. At the appointed time we head off to Richmond and are greeted by Ajahn Somchai. He is most welcoming and hospitable. It is good to do a load of laundry. We meet for evening puja at 6pm. I have a touch of sunstroke from standing uncovered in Mapua.
Getting to the other side is just one step at a time.
It is lovely to join Ajahn for morning puja at 6am. We have a lovely breakfast and warm conversation. My brain is a bit cooked from the sun and I take a long morning nap with venerable Javano having to wake me for lunch; a superb selection of Thai dishes. Anumodana. The afternoon is very relaxed and I appreciate not having to carry my head for too great a distance. The forecast rain arrives. Puja at 6.