McCrain's
in Middle Earth
A travel dialogue of our adventures
in New Zealand
In February 2004, Jim and Kathy McCrain began a five month oddessy in New Zealand. Kathy was transferred to Auckland for a temporary work assignment, and Jim followed her for moral support. (Isn't he just the greatest husband?)
What follows is Jim's account of this adventure.
Another
"WOW" Day!
July 25, 2004
We
left the Franz Joseph area this morning, with deep regret for leaving
the mountains behind. No more would we be traveling through
the “Southern Alps” but we would be traveling along the
coast of the Tasman Sea. The Tasman is also known as the
“Green Sea” and is well known for being a rough body of
water. Knowing that before hand still did not 
prepare
us for the incredible surf that we saw. At some points the waves were
crashing against the “beach” which just happened to be about
three feet from the edge of the road! At other times, we would be a
few hundred feet above the surf, as the road crested a bluff. The views
were incredible, and as the sun started to set, we were treated to a
sight unlike any that I have ever seen. We found the 
“Pancake
rocks and blow-holes.”
These rocks are comprised of many sedimentary layers that have been eroded away by the constant wave action. They really do look like stacks of pancakes! Several of these formations also create what is called a “blow hole” when the pounding surf and waves rushes in. The force of the water is funneled into very small cracks and crevasses, and then forced upwards in a spray of water and mist, sometimes as high as thirty to forty feet. The sound they make is eerie, and the force of the water changes the air pressure when you stand next to them. It felt almost as if the rocks were alive, and that the earth was breathing. I will never be able to think of the sea as I once did. Not only does the sea hold an abundant supply and array of life, but IT is alive, as well.
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