Weird Stuff we found at the beach.

It's a chiton! 

we thought.

And it is.

But also something really weird that we thought at the time, 

but now do not think after researching, was ambergris;

whale intestinal snot, used in times past to stabilize perfumes.
This goo could protect sensitive sperm whale tummies 
from dangerous (seriously) giant squid beaks.

But it could be a bucket of surf board wax that fell in the ocean
and rolled and baked out in the elements and rolled onto shore.

But whatever it is, we brought it home just in case 

ambergis

still brought thousands of dollars per killogram.

http://www.ambergris.net.nz/information.htm 

Tom did the recommended tests with a hot needle 
then trying to burn a piece.
Failed the test.
Smelled  bad.