Bay of Isles and Haruru Falls

I think we're fully rested and into the vacation mode, full swing. We've lost the tension associated with modern daily life, and we're ready to be adventurous! Wooley's bay was a great place to relax and slow down the pace. Now it's time to start really travelling. Our next destination; the Bay of Isles. It appears that a storm is moving in, so we'll see where we end up tonight.


The drive up the coast is gorgeous. It's very slow going, as the roads are narrow and windy, but offer amazing views.


The forests, or native bush, here is amazing. Such an interesting mix. Many of the species here are ferns and podocarps, both ancient species. It's pretty easy to imagine a dinosaur popping out of this landscape!


The storm seemed to be gaining strength, so we decided not to follow our original plan that took us up a dirt road to a primitive camp in a Maori dominated region. We instead decided to go to Russel, the first capital of New Zealand, now a sleepy fishing and tourist village. But there are lots of interesting things along the way...


Like this great art gallery and garden we stumbled upon in Helen's Bay. Excellent coffee as well!


Jon found a new friend.


We stayed one night in Russel at the Holiday Park. As you can see, the weather was inclement, and the view of the Bay of Isles rather obscured. We decided not to do the boat ride in these rough seas, and to continue on our journey.


This beautiful form of Grevillea is all over the holiday park here. It's a prostrate form, and cascades beautifully over rocks and down hillsides. The stem coloration is lovely. If anybody knows what species/cultivar this is, please let me know!!!!


We took the Okiato ferry from Russel across the bay back to the mainland. It really started to rain hard, so we were glad we didn't go on the island cruise!


On our way north, we passed by Haruru Falls. In the summer, people swim and kayak around here. Right now, however, the water is turbulent and the falls were pounding.