Seals on Beaches!

Trip Start Sep 09, 2004
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Trip End Ongoing


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Monday, December 20, 2004

Today was another long day as we explored the deep South. We headed right along the South Coast and in to the remote Catlin's wilderness. Well I wasn't prepared for it and I really couldn't believe it. It's not often that you see trees elegantly shaped by the ferocity of the high winds as if frozen in time from the momentary blitz of a nuclear holocaust. And it's certainly not everyday you take a walk along the beach and stumble across a family of huge seals wrestling playfully on the sand just a few metres from your feet. They didn't even move when we got 'ever so cautiously' closer. They just carried on playing. It was as if they were humouring us. They just accepted us as we accepted them. I was completely and utterly blown away. Where I'm from, if you want to see how beautiful these creatures are, you go to a zoo. And pay a hefty price. I don't know much about animal welfare but I can almost guarantee that these fellas aren't as miserable as the ones couped up in one of those restrictive 'simulated' environments. These beauties were completely free, completely contented. It was the most perfect moment. I had tears at the back of my eyes just raring to go. This is real nature. Something I would have never believed I would encounter. Not in my wildest dreams.

Last night in Invercargill the weather was terrible and it took me back to one of those cold, wet, miserable, evenings in England, stuck indoors with the comfort of hot food and warm company to compensate for the cold wind and rain shut tightly outside. When I went to bed last night I didn't have the faintest idea that I would be waking up and doing this moments later. Why does New Zealand continually exceed my expectations?

Unfortunately, I didn't manage to take enough pics or anything really worthy, but this is one part of the country I shall definitely be re-visiting. The Catlins wilderness covers a huge area that we merely passed through. I can't wait to go back. More from the Catlins later!

We arrived in the Scottish town of Dunedin early this evening. Finally back on the East Coast. We checked in to our first 'Hotel' at no extra cost as the hostel was fully occupied. En-suite - bonus!

After chilling out for a while, we went to a local Irish bar with our driver 'Mad Dave' and some of the others for a few beers. As it turned out, Chicken and I didn't really fancy anything on the menu and wanted to see more of Dunedin so we nipped out early and had a quick wander around the town before settling in a nice Chinese restaurant (which seemed a little odd considering we were in a Scottish town right in the corner of the far South East of New Zealand). The food was excellent though and the staff were extremely friendly. It made a good night and an early one too as tomorrows journey is a long and eventful one. Much sleep needed!
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