The monster storm is producing slamming winds that push and jolt our little caravan as we sleep, disconcerting the first night but after three days and Art's assurances the camper won't be blown over,  another new experience. Plus, rainbows everywhere after the fierce brief showers, like the one at top that I captured out our window.


And that autumn light
Today's hike took us along, up, and down the Pororari River Track, the entry point just across the main road from this campground. It's amusing as you drive down the coast to encounter a map that says "Punakaiki Village," only to discover it consists of the campground, a group of beach cottage rentals, and this, the Punkaiki Tavern. Yep, that's it. No stores, nothing else.

Our walk today snaked largely under the cover of NZ foliage that continues to capture me. I mean!


It hailed along the way, a showering tututut of tiny ice balls. Who doesn't love Big Weather?

The Pororari River