From the mountains to the sea

I woke up in the morning next to the almost first spot of the Clifden Suspension Bridge. After I waddled over there and had breakfast, I headed to the Clifden Caves. This is a cave system where you can wander for about 2 hours. However, I neither had the courage nor the equipment for that but wanted to at least go a few meters in. To be honest, I wouldn’t have gone any further. I think caves are not for me; I was so scared of spiders and snakes, and after just a few meters, it was pitch dark. My phone flashlight hardly helped. So after this short stop, I headed towards the sea. Well, there was still a big stopover: Lake Hauroko, the deepest lake in New Zealand and the 16th deepest in the world. It is 462 m deep. So, I knew the first 10 km were paved roads and then it was 20 km on gravel roads, but not the best ones. Yes, it was an adventure, and I was glad to be back on paved roads, I tell you. The lake was very beautiful, and I took a little hike there, also through the forest; everything was so mossy, it looked so wonderful. After I took a picnic break halfway back and shared my food with a small bird, I headed towards Tutapere, a small village, primarily just for refueling... and then, dear friends, I finally reached the sea, which I hadn't seen for far too long. I turned the corner, and there it was, seemingly endless, massive waves, steep cliffs, a dream. I, of course, stopped at Gemstone Beach, and after an hour, I had collected several (apparently) semi-precious stones. I could have spent hours there. I then drove to Colac Bay, where the freedom camp for today is right by the beach. I think it will be very windy, but it's so beautiful.