nic and toms excellent adventure: Where is everybody?

So, we finally managed to pry ourselves away from Wanaka, after 2 months of full on climbing, parties and good times we decided it was time to leave and go back to 'The Bay'. Driving up through the west coast in terenchal weather for the first few days then as we got nearer the north of the island it cheered up (abit). We stopped off at the Fox glacier, and the Franz Josef and also checked out a few lakes.
Back in Golden Bay where hang dog is now totally deserted (possibly due to the plague), we done our usual climbing thang and also checked out a new area by the sea called Pohara, which consisted of a huge 'slab' which was actually over hanging (bizzare) with huge holds. On a rest day we took a recomended drive up to Whairiki Bay which was awsome. Its situataed just to the west of farewell spit, so right up on the north of the south island. A real tranquil walk up steady grassy nolls then down on to one of the most picturesque beaches we have been on, strolling along untouched sand. On the return walk we heard some splashing down by the river, at first we decided it was dolphins (dont ask) but wasnt sure so we took on a little mission to get down to the river bank. We scrambled through trees and shrubs then strategically placed ourselves in the reeds to observe the 'dolphins' which actually turned out to be seals. We stayed hidden for a while taking photos and David Attenburgh style videos then decided let the fellas splash on in peace.