Dolphins (and other great tracks)

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I forgot to mention........half way to Stewart Island the boat stopped and a flock of bottle-nose dolphins put on the most incredible display just feet away.  There can be no doubt that these animals have a sense of play.  It was worth an hour of nausea!!!

The Logical Song

You will need the artist for the connection.  In NZ they call hiking 'tramping' and Stewart Island is primarily a tramping destination.  Apart from the tiny hamlet of Oban the island is one huge nature reserve with 2 long distance trails linked by overnight huts. Last night we made friends with a German stormtrooper who was enjoying a last night of civilisation before starting a  solo tramp around both routes.  No shops, no showers and, incredibly, no beer for TWO WEEKS! 

Islands In The Sun

The trip to Stewart Island was something of a whim but has proved to be a real end of trip treat.  Oban and the surrounding road network stretches no more than a couple of miles in any direction but we explored every inch.  It is a really beautiful setting and, though cool, the sun shone and made every little bay look really tropical. 

The Funky Chicken

Kiwis are hard to catch.  They hide pretty well and, when you eventually spot one and start to creep up, they fly away.

We eventually got a couple by throwing rocks at them and roasted them on a beach fire. They taste like chicken!

There are supposedly also penguins but we didn't see any.  They probably taste of chicken too.

Ironic

Alanis Morisette to save you giggling it.

Since arriving on South Island we have been riding south west and the wind has been blowing from roughly south the whole way.  Today we cycle 20 miles north back to Invercargill.......guess which way the wind was blowing?  Tomorrow it will revert to southerly.  Call me grumpy but this has really pissed me off.

Homeward Bound

I am sure I have used this one before.  In Invercargill we will pack the bikes ready for a 6:30am flight, the first of 5 that will get us home by Saturday afternoon.  It has been a great trip!

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