This is the second and final instalment of the Great Barrier Escape.
Being able to entertain oneself is a prerequisite for Barrier living.
Clever deployment of a cardboard box and some breadcrusts resulted in a very cunning trap for the two rare Pateke ducks that sharp-eyed viewers will see in the left foreground.
I don't understand why this didn't work!
This one of a handful of vehicles that escaped the Barrier Police's campaign to rid the island of dangerous unregistered wrecks. It is compulsory for the driver and passengers to be pissed and/or stoned for their own safety!
Don't be fooled by the 'No Worries' hat, or the apparently relaxed smile - they belie the fact that I am scared shitless up here on the Windy Canyon track. This narrow goat path is a million metres above sea level, swept by howling winds, and no handrail! The beach and estuary in the background is Whangapoua.
Parts of the track through the canyon are very steep and steps are the only means of access.
Rocks around beautiful Harataonga Beach provide a great fishing platform, and in the background is Arid Island. The fish were not co-operative.
Mussels are farmed on the Barrier growing on ropes suspended from buoys in the harbour. The farms provide some of the few job opportunities for locals.
Ropes covered in mussels are winched onboard the barge and after rumbling through a drum to clean off most debris, girls grade out the rubbish and the premium shellfish are bagged. The dross is swept off the deck and transforms into gourmet fare for a huge school of fish on a feeding frenzy.
Fishing was like dropping your line in an aquarium of starving fish. The only skill involved was deciding which ones to throw back. Altough this one easily exceeds the minimum size it, like most of the ones caught, got thrown back.
Ropes covered in mussels are winched onboard the barge and after rumbling through a drum to clean off most debris, girls grade out the rubbish and the premium shellfish are bagged. The dross is swept off the deck and transforms into gourmet fare for a huge school of fish on a feeding frenzy.
Fishing was like dropping your line in an aquarium of starving fish. The only skill involved was deciding which ones to throw back. Altough this one easily exceeds the minimum size it, like most of the ones caught, got thrown back.
One of the bigger snapper was a great subject for a successful smoking.
Locals wasting away again in margaritaville.
I had a rare opportunity to host a bevy of Barrier beauties for drinks on a balmy island afternoon. Not all the women on the island have missing body parts or are scary creatures. You will note that I am wearing my 'searching for a beautiful island princess' hat. My unconditional proposal of marriage was spurned by all present - shame!
The ferry calls in to Port Fitzroy once a week delivering passengers, vehicles, fuel, food, alcoholic beverages, and building materials. The locals all head down to the wharf on Tuesdays for their weekly entertainment.
The Island Navigator transported me and my Bus With No Name safely back to the mainland. The great Great Barrier experience is now an indelible memory which will hopefully be repeated before I shuffle off this mortal coil. If you haven't been there, put it on your 'to do' list!
The next adventure is in the planning phase and will finish with another South Island visit in the spring.
Thanks for watching, and very good luck to you and your family.
2 comments:
hey hawkeye how r ya? missy and corey here. we like ur pictures of the barrier what a laugh! where are u traveling at the momennt? we have moved back to auckland because Gore sucked!
HI hawkeye, how much was the ferry ticket to great barrier for the bus?
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