A day of modeling in Abel Tasman National Park

Last Monday we made the transition from the North Island to the South Island. After a 3 hour ferry where I managed to catch up on my photos, and watch Up and Inkheart (althugh the ferry stopped 10 min before the ending - argh!), we made it to the south, and proceeded to Abel Tasman National Park. It was here that I stayed at Old MacDonald's farm and kicked a hedgehog. Abel Tasman is a gorgeous park with tons of incredible beaches, and a nice trek which basically hugs the beach the entire time - several members of our Bus tour ended up staying behind to hike this trek (goodbye Coca and Annika - I'll miss you!).

We then had a full day to explore Abel Tasman, and I spent it. . . modeling! The day before Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures had told us that they wanted to take some photos for their new brochure, so if we wanted to sail, we could go for half price (about $35 US for a full day of sailing), and we'd get free food and beer. Sold!!

We spent the day sailing along, and then occasionally hanging around a bit while the photographer worked out a specific shot of one of the boats. I was happy to enjoy the scenery and/or lie around the sun. I found that the "trampoline" (mesh netting between the catamarans) is an ideal place for a nap - very peaceful as you lie there and listen to the waves passing below you. Just gotta be on the lookout for waves splshing through the netting!

I ended up having a great day - really enjoyed the sailing, the price was great, and now I might be famous. Check the Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures website in a few months and you might see me there!

Our boat sails ahead for a photo op - (well, the same boat as the one we were on - they had three out that day).

our photographer lines up a shot

cannoball!!

look! A penguin!

me with my new penguin friend

lunch aboard the boat. The good news is that because we were doing a photo shoot it was free. The bad news is that we were starving but had to wait like 20 minutes while hey took lunch photos. . .

cool split rock off the coast