FREE DAY!

After getting our much needed rest [I was the last to rise haha], we had breakfast together and were told we were given a free day to explore! We are right smack in the middle of the Paparoa National Park. It is perhaps the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Last night, we didn't have the chance to admire it's beauty on the drive here, which made waking up a literal eye-opening experience. We were waking up to a completely unknown habitat. Unknown but unbelievable.

After having a small breakfast together, we split up four and four and went off to explore. Zane, Will, Michelle, and Rachel went off on a 3-hour hike throughout our rainforest surroundings. Erica, Gi, Heather, and myself went off to the "town," so Erica and I could buy a few tee's. Somehow we only brought three each, which is not enough. I quote the word town because it consists of two cafe's and an info center. Ok so it isn't really a town. A ten minute walk turned into an hour walk because on the way we stopped in tons of random places to explore and be camera tourists.

We found a tiny cave that of course we jumped in to and took pictures. I bet NZers saw it as the equivalent as jumping in the sewer drain as kids, but for us it was awesome. We then took a detour to the coast to just look. And since we're in a national park, there are a lot of mapped out places to visit. The adventure was even more exciting due to the fact that the weather changes so quickly. Thank the Lord we all decided to wear our raincoats because one minute it was as sunny as anything, and the next it would down pour. By the time we returned home, we were drenched. That may have also been aided by the puddle jumping we partook in.

After a cup of tea, a sandwich, and a short movie, I am up and ready for the next part of my day of exploration. Tomorrow we start our conservation work, at a site five minutes down the road. Our work day will be from 8 am until 4 pm, and I cannot wait.