Our super-early arrival at camp meant that we didn't have a very full schedule for the remainder of the day - save for relaxation and casual exploration of our little beach. We each did our own combination of lounging, beachcombing, swimming, and snacking.
courtesy JInnes
Origin of Observation Beach
courtesy PChen
Observation Beach's Stream
courtesy CDoucet
As the afternoon drew on, the sunny conditions were gradually replaced by periods of cloud. These cloudy periods sometimes came with rain, producing brilliant rainbows as shafts of sunlight illuminated the showers as they receded over Tasman Bay.
Although we had encountered them already on this trip, Observation Beach was the first spot where we really became annoyed with New Zealand's sandflies. These little buggers required constant attention and generous amounts of insect repellant (which fortunately we brought). To my eye they seemed like some sort of black fly, just like the annoying ones that plague us during late spring in Eastern North America.
Dinner at Observation Beach
Dinner at Observation Beach
Tentsites at Observation Beach
We ate our dinner in the dry spaces between the periodic showers, then hung around outside until night fell.
courtesy BConnell
courtesy PChen
Nightfall, Observation Beach