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Published: December 18th 2006
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Got up and had a quick run down through the Royal Botanic Gardens - to try and get rid of some of the chub we have put on lately from the good food! It was hard work as we have not been out for a while - but as allways good to do some exercise. Spent a couple of hours on the campsite, chatting to another couple and trying to get ourselves sorted out. We have booked ourselves onto a riding trek tomorrow morning which will make a good change. Finally got round to heading out around lunchtime. First stop was to Baldwin Street which is supposedly the world steepest street - it looked very steep when sat in front of it - the photos do not do it justice! Next stop was Lanarch Castle Gardens - which were really incredible and we spent a few hours wandering around admiring them. Beck was especially envious of their Himalayan Blue poppy, as ours just withered and died as soon as it was put into the ground. Got lots of good ideas for the garden - the next project when we get home.
Drove onto Sandfly bay next - thankfully did not
Baldwin Street
Much steeper than it looks! come across any of them there - as they are supposed to give you a nasty bite. The wind had really picked up, so we struggled our way down to the beach. At the opposite end of the beach there is a hide to watch the yellow eyed penguins nesting, so we set off hopeful to at last see a penguin. Unfortunately it was not ment to be as there were a couple of massive sea lions lounging on the beach on the way. After yesterdays shennanigans we did not fancy losing another camera. Ended up turning up back - but we did see a little penguin wandering up the beach in the distance - making its way up from the surf into the dunes - very cute!
The next stop of the day was St Clair beach, a good surfing spot, but the wind had created some monstrous waves - and the tide was really high, so the waves were breaking against the harour wall. After watching some good locals we decided it was maybe a bit too hardcore so had a drink before heading to a local swimming pool. The pool had some waterslides, much to Bex'x
Pimped up sunnies!
All she needs is a pink jumpsuit delight so it kept us entertained for a couple of hours. Cooked a lamb vindaloo for dinner, which was really hot. Needed lots of beer to cool the mouths down afterwards - will not be making that mistake again!
Up at 7:30am to pack and get ready for horse riding, it had been pouring down with rain all night so we did not sleep to well and did not think that the riding would be on. Beck called the stables, the guy was just getting the horses ready and seemed really upbeat about us going out. From the state of the weather where we were staying, just round the peninsular we though he was pretty mad and that we were going to get fairly wet( this was the introduction to NZ fine weather - which is a bit like Nepali Flat!). Drove over there anyway and were really suprised when it was clear and fine - bizarre. Found the stables easily, but did not manage to get up the super steep driveway the first time - had to roll back down and give it another go. The guy who ran the stables was really laid back friendly and chatty.
Spent the next 1/2 hour or so chatting to him, whilst he showed us various books, photos and various maps. Finally tacked up the horses and were ready to set off. The guy was excellent and gave Paul some good tuition which helped no end. Beck was on a really great horse - a thoroughbred, ex-champion steeplechaser. Tigger a cross terrier and norwegian elk hound (very luffy and bouncy) came out for the 2 hours to run round the valley. She was really friendly and came bounding out for cuddles when we first arrived. However, it was odd for us to see when she went off towards the end of the ride to hunt possums and then brought one back at the end for a later snack. We rode up over the valley on the farm, which had great views over the peninsular. Stopped 1/2 way through the ride for a quick rest - our guide pulled out a thermos for tea and coffee with buscits and cheese on the side. He also treated us to some local history and culture. Really enjoyed the chance to get out on some horses, it was a good ride out and a fabulous
place.
Drove to the Royal Albatross Colony to enjoy our lunch, to hopefully spy some albatrosses flying in the wind. Unfortunately it is mating season so they must be otherwise engaged. The yellow eyed penguin reserve was the next port of call, as we had not booked we could not get on a tour to see them for another hour, so due to a tight schedule and an impending drive from the east to west coast, we decided we did not have the time to wait so set off towards the Fjordlands. It took a good four hours to drive from Dunedin to Te Anu with a good few breaks on the way. The roads were good and fairly empty so you could cover a lot of ground quickly. Beck drove the second part of the journey - it was the first time for her in an Automatic which was really funny. Went straight to the accomodation we have booked into. It was our first experience of a homestay. Its a bit like a B and B, but you get to use the kitchen and all the facilities. Made our selves at home and made ourselves a Laksa (spicy
noodle soup) with white fish. Popped into the town to have a couple of beers at a local bar, and were really surprised when they called last orders at 10pm - its Saturday night! Did not mind too much though as we need to be up early to go Kayaking. Was really good to be inside as its really cold here and raining - felt like luxury under the two duvets and with a hot water bottle (well for Beck!).
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