Morgan in New Zealand: Kaikoura

Today was Evan's official birthday (in New Zealand). We decided to head towards the town of Kaikoura after we finished at Medina. Pete and Megan dropped us off at the Conway Bridge where a bus was scheduled to pick us up at 8:50. The time came...and went, and by 9:20 we were fairly confident that we had been forgotten. My cell phone was unfortunately out of prepaid minutes and the battery had died, so we had no way to get in touch with anyone. There was not a cafe or home in sight...we were abandoned in the middle of nowhere! We tried flagging down cars to see if we could find a mobile phone to call the bus company, but nobody wanted to stop for 3 sketchy Americans. Finally, at 9:45, our bus came around the corner, an HOUR late! Apparently the driver had to take a detour and was delayed, but I wish we would have known that so we wouldn't have been standing in the cold since 8:30am, but I guess life is always an adventure.

The bus took us into Kaikoura, and we headed to the Why Not Cafe, where I picked up my wallet (the shuttle driver had left it there since Thursday). It was safe and sound. Evan, Matt, and I walked along the Kaikoura coast, known for its beautiful crashing waves and fur seals. We then walked up to the Kaikoura Lookout, where we could see the whole town, Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range, and the ocean. It was a beautiful clear day! Evan and I then decided to try to make it to the fudge shop before making our 4pm bus back to Christchurch, but the walk was slightly longer than we had anticipated and I was cranky, tired, and hungry! We raced back to the town, where our bus and everyone on it was waiting for us (oops). But the good news is, we each got some peanut butter and chocolate fudge for the road. Fiona was really kind and let the guys bunk at her place that night. What a gal!