Ready for a 13km hike!

Jenn battling the elements!!
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We were pleasantly surprised by Paradiso, it was a very well laid out hostel and excellent value for money. Wouldn't recommend the soup (someone was slightly heavy handed with the pepper and it was basically raw veggies swimming in boiled water!) but the brekkie was great!

We did our grocery shop, mainly for picnic stuff in preparation for a hike around Abel Tasman National Park the following day. One big bonus of being on the Magic bus is the fact that they can arrange accommodation and activities (at special prices) at your request.

Jenn getting all inspired and collecting shells!
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We were up early (it was still dark!) and were on the road by 7:30am. It was very frosty and icey and Jenn (as always) had more layers than an onion.....and she was still cold! We were taken to Marahau where we boarded a boat......on the back of a tractor.....how often is that going to happen!?! We were driven down the road and backed into the water.

Our 1st stop in the water taxi was split apple rock - a rock split like an apple funnily enough! The sea was by no means calm and I was pleasantly surprised to see that instead of looking ashen, Jenn was smiling!! Yay...cured!!!

Spectacular scenery!
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We then got dropped off in Torrent Bay and were basically told to walk! It was a coastal walk over mixed terrain (over rivers, bridges, fallen trees etc). The scenery was breathtaking, aqua marine water and a great reminder of the Whitsundays! It was the perfect winter's day and it wasn't long before the layers came off and we were full speed ahead! We stopped at one of the beaches for a rest and some lunch (beautiful) then continued with renewed vigour!

We realised that time was on our side and stopped at Tin Can Bay where Jenn got all inspired and collected a load of shells for an art project at home (providing they survive the journey!).....guess what you're all getting for xmas?! (thanks V.. your not getting one!) :-)

Hiking Pose!
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The was about 13km and was expected to take 4.5 hours, however, with our 30 min lunch break and another 30min on the beach, we made it back to the pick up point in 3.5 hours! We stumbled upon a sculpture garden & art gallery and Jenn wandered around experiencing an inspiration overload....whereas I just fancied the guy behind the counter....shallow eh?

We were back in time for free soup.....as nasty as it was I cannot turn down free food! Jenn, on the other hand can and opted for something far less poisonous - cheese sandwiches and a bar of fruit and nut!!

Taking a break!
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Had the whole dorm to ourselves that night which was a luxury and we were up early the next morning to board the bus to Greymouth.