The drive, as was becoming apparently was full of various changes in scenery. Some water crossings, some soft spots in the road, some cattle and plenty of trees. We drove through the Napier Rangers, which included what is known as 'Queen Victoria Head'. An interesting profile that is believed to look just like the Queen.
We had a lovely stop on the way after one of the crossings as to the left we all {meaning the females in our party} noticed a lovely pond filled with lillies. Ever the gentlemen the lovely Stuart even picked three, one each.
Once we arrived at the camper ground we found a spot that left us 'alone' and close to one of the toilets that the National Parks have put in place. These ones even flush {instead of the lovely old school long drops we had when I was a child}. We all set up for our two night stay and after lunch enjoyed some cake baking {for a certain little woman's birthday} while the men folk and children played some football & even hit a few golf balls.
Before our celebrations we decided to head up to Bell's to take a walk to have a look at the top of the falls/ the creek. We all decided we would wear our Japanese safety footwear {read thongs} which in hindsight wasn't such a great idea, but after our walk down we where rewarded with a lovely afternoon swimming in the pool and exploring the rocks.
After our trip back up the hill and back to camp we had our birthday cake, a nice warm fire, some food before settling the children to bed so we could have some adult time.
Thursday saw us pack snacks, lunch, water, towels and anything else you can think of to make our way back out to Bells and down to explore the falls. This time a little smarter with our footwear selection. After turning into mountain goats once we made it to the other side of the creek we walked down to see the fast running, breathe taking view of Bells Falls.
Everyone headed straight for the water for a swim. Exploring over to the other side of the falls under the rock ledge, right up to the falls and further down the pool. It was one of those moments where even though the water was too cold and 'dark' for my liking I couldn't not jump in and experience what was on offer. I am more than glad that I did {and thankfully this experience set the precedent for the entire trip}. Cass and I had a grand old time together swimming right up to touch the back of the waterfall and surprisingly so it actually hurts ones head while under it.
After watching the king of mountian goats, Stuart climb down the falls and jump into the pool below {all the while listening to his youngest telling him off} we decided it was time to head back up to camp as everyone was getting a little tired. So we packed up everything, loaded the children and started our way back up and out of the falls.
Before we knew it the day was ending and it was time to start the nightly routine of feeding everyone.
Friday morning saw us pack down to get ready to head to our next stop, Barnnet River Station.
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