A weekend away.
Not far. Two hours from oamaru is Dunedin ; a large university town with a railway, cruise liners and for the likes of me, a beautiful peninsula of hills and beaches.
I headed to Portobello, beside the sea.
It was very cold the first day. So cold that I had to put on my favourite socks,
But it didn't last. It turned out very nice.
And while the sun shone I explored.
Saturday was the pyramids and the beach.
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| the small pyramid at Victory beach |
I duly climbed the pyramid and got a wonderful view. I had it all to myself.
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| looking south from the pyramid |
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| marshland below the small pyramid |
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| grassy paths below the small pyramid |
Soon after my descent a large party arrived to climb the hill. I was safely on my way to the beach before all 30 of them crowded at the top.
The other pyramid is easily seen from the top .
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| larger pyramid at Victory beach |
The beach was beautiful.
White sand and sparkling waves.
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| Victory beach |
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| obligatory selfie |
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| Victory beach |
I relaxed in the sunshine, and then spent the rest of the day exploring the peninsula, meeting dogs and sheep along the way.
The dog was a lot better company than the sheep.
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| dog |
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| sheep |
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| sheep |
Beach side huts are common on the coast.
Interpret this one as you will.
So that was Saturday.
On Sunday I was to ride the Taieri Gorge railway.
I got up very early for the occasion. Seven o'clock on a Sunday morning.
I drove to the railway station.
I was early so I took a few photos.
I looked at my ticket.
It said I was due to travel on Saturday. I was a day late.
I talked to the good folk in the ticket office.
They kindly upgraded me to the longer journey to Middlemarch. A six hour return trip.
Time was passing. I was not sure about six hours on a train on such a beautiful day.
A very expensive piece of paper......
I chickened out at the last minute.
Turned back to the car and escaped.
I couldn't face a few hours of sitting cooped with a number of strangers who looked more keen to be there than I.
I headed off up the road to Oronokui Ecosanctuary.
The best decision that I have made this month.
It was heavenly.
I spent hours there.
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| Orokonui ecosanctuary cafe |
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| Orokonui ecosanctuary |
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| my bird photography leaves a lot to be desired.... this is a Kaka |
The bird song was vibrant and loud.
I made lots of recordings, for these are the sounds that I associate with South Island.
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| Easter orchid |
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| ferns |
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| young lancewood trees |
If you have a few spare minutes and are really bored, or just looking to relax, here are some photos, a video and lots of noisy bird sounds in a video compilation from the sanctuary.
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