Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Cathedral Caves; Back to the Catlins


We wanted to hit the Cathedral Caves before heading home, so we opted to head into Owaka for a quick, early, takeaway dinner. Which we ate at a picnic table in a paddock.


On the way, you pass Gypsy's Kayak, Curios, and Coffee. The tide waits for no man, so we had to skip Gypsy's on this trip. But soon, I WILL be there.


Around a few more bends, you come upon Owaka, which is a substantial little town. There are a few restaurants, a petrol station, several vintage shops, and a little museum. 


And Teapotland. Which is right next to the sidewalk.


Photos are encouraged.


We met Lacey, the Shih-tzu/Maltese/Japanese Chin. She LOVES company. I was too busy getting snuggles to bother to take her picture.


There is a donation bucket out...so they can buy more teapots, of course. 


Coming over the crest of any number of hills, the landscape suddenly opens up to these sweeping views. I see something like this almost everyday, and my heart flutters a bit every single time.


The carpark for Cathedral Caves is up on a ridge, on private land. It is well-kept and tide times are posted on a board at the gated entrance. 


A 15 minute downhill hike through the forest opens up onto the beach.


Another 10 minutes down the beach is the mouth of the cave.


The cave is accessible only at low tide. Otherwise, it's just getting pounded with surf. Hence the gate at the carpark, which probably saves a number of souls from themselves as it is locked at high tide.


There are actually 2 entrances...or an entrance and an exit.


It is huge, majestic, and appropriately named.


 Dried salt lines the walls, even 30 feet up, as testament to the pounding surf.


The weather started moving in, so we started moving out...10 minutes back up the beach...and 15 minutes uphill through the forest.

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