Pt2 Days 15, 16, 17. Rest days at Opua (Thurs 18th - Sat 20th)

Because of the nasty rain from those fronts currently affecting NZ, we had decided to wait here until that abated before starting our next stint.  We still have the section from Takahue Forest through to Kerikeri to do and, obviously, the Waikare Inlet through to Whangarei Heads section.

Because of the challenging nature of, in particular, the Raetea Forest after rain, we thought we would start heading south for now.  Current planning is to get Andrew and Ria to take us up the Waikare on the early high tide on Sunday morning (0730).  Again we would like to send a big thanks to Chris and Manuela who had already previously offered us their boat for Andrew to drive us up there (before we had the 3 month layoff!).  We saw Chris and Manuela again last night at dinner at the OCC and they reiterated the very generous offer.  

So now all we need to do is make sure we restock food supplies and do a little planning for the next stage.  We have to catch a flight from Auckland to Wgtn next Saturday - but Andrew and Ria are on the same flight so can pick us up, wherever we have got to, on the way past - how lucky are we!!  We don't expect to make it all the way to Whangarei but it will be an interesting test to see where we do get to!

We'll be at home on the Coast for maybe 10 days before heading back up here to hopefully complete the last bit to Whangarei, then the Takahue to Kerikeri section - then that will be the TA from Cape Reinga to Auckland Quay St completed.  Not quite how we originally planned it but.... "the best laid plans of mice and men .......".  Then we can hopefully focus on Auckland city southwards for as long as the weather and our bodies allow!!!