Tag 43 Marfells Beach

On my To Do List is a fantastically secluded beach on the east coast that is supposedly inaccessible due to the Kaikoura earthquake. Anyone who knows me knows what that means. It particularly appeals to me. Forbidden and supposedly not possible due to a collapsed bridge? Haha. It goes on the supposedly closed Highway 1 towards the south from Blenheim. Of course, passing by Takaka Hill again and visiting the Shoe Fence. People hang pairs of shoes on the fence there, some of them very good shoes. I have no idea why, just crazy. I visit the Mall in Richmond, no Christmas gifts here either, just some Chinese junk. I go along the shoreline and then through the mountains to Blenheim. They say it's terrible. I don't think so and therefore take a round trip through the city. After emptying and filling the fresh water of the camper at a gas station, I drive to the beach that is supposedly currently inaccessible: Marfells Beach. The National Highway 1 from Kaikoura to the north will only reopen in mid-December and is supposedly closed. I don't notice anything strange. Only during quitting time, many vehicles from construction companies come towards me, who are currently working on the road and staying in Blenheim. After Marfells Beach, I go along a salt lake for about 8 km on a paved road, then about 200 meters on a gravel driveway, and then comes the bridge that is supposedly not passable due to flooding. Well, there is no bridge anymore 😋. Next to it is a wooden makeshift bridge that is laid across the stream. According to the DOC's official website, it is officially not suitable for heavy vehicles and large vehicles. And then how do all the heavy large local campervans I see get in there? The message seems to be rather that scaredy-cats camp elsewhere 😂 well, the 3 tons of the VW bus can easily handle the bridge, but how do I get down the small sandbank to the bridge. A sign warns that you should drive over the bridge with extreme caution. Alright, so with a proper run-up through the sand and then onto the bridge, which is sufficiently stable 😉

I'll think about how to get out again tomorrow, because it goes up through the sand, probably with even more momentum. So much for being careful on the bridge…

Marfells Beach is pretty much how I imagined it. A bit of a nature reserve, a bit stuffy, a bit old-fashioned, a bit beautiful, and above all, hardly any people. And a dream beach. It's a DOC camping with self-registration. Nevertheless, I stop by the "Camp Coach," introduce ourselves to each other, and have a chat. After all, I'm also here to improve my English in everyday life, to improve small talk.

I have a beautiful pitch and the next campers are twenty meters away. I sit outside until after dinner, then the sandflies come and I prefer to go inside before I become a victim again. My ankles are already well bitten. In the VW bus, during the day, I not only appreciate the air conditioning but also at night the rear side windows, which can be opened and are secured with mosquito nets. The moon shines brightly again tonight, and I sleep very well after the long drive.