Otago

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Silverstream

In our effort to get out and see new places in our own backyard, the Pigalinas headed to Silverstream for a walk.
We selected a walk – we were to follow the little red symbols on the signposts and set off. The sign warned that the walk was “hard”. We went up hills, down hills – once with the aid of a rope and across two streams (carrying the dog thanks to the presence of toxic algae) and at one point Mr Pigalina feared we would be camping for the night under a blanket of leaves due to the lack of little red symbols and signposts.
We saw the most fantails we have ever seen in one place. I just about lost it at their cuteness and was over the moon to spot an all black one.
There are a number of other trails we intend to explore, but next time we will take a photo of the map!

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Seal Spotting at Taiaroa Head

We headed out to the end of the Otago Peninsula to investigate what is there, as it has been many years since we did.
Pilots Beach held a wealth of seals and they were not scared of humans – sunbathing on the rocks within feet of the many people. Living at the site of one of Dunedin’s most popular tourist attractions (the albatross colony) will do that to you.
The other side revealed steep cliffs with a view of the lighthouse and numerous nesting birds. We didn’t spot any albatross but I can confirm you can see some good sights at the end of the peninsula without spending any money.

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Tunnel Beach

Today we went to Tunnel Beach. Tourists were swarming; we had to remind ourselves how lucky we are that it is just two minutes drive from our house.
The “Tunnel” in the picture is not the tunnel you are looking for. The real tunnel was hand carved out of the soft rock about 100 years ago and takes you down to a little beach. It is pretty cool and if you are ever in Dunedin you should definitely visit, be prepared for a very steep walk back to your car…

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Toko Mouth Tiki Tour

A combination of me leaving the written directions at home, a lack of phone coverage and me eating a messy pie while driving, led to Mr Pigalina being driven 18km more than necessary on gravel road on his birthday. I had planned a scenic route home from the Catlins but bungled the turn-off so backtracking was required.
We did however get to visit Toko Mouth.

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Walkies

Mr Pigalina went to work and, being a Saturday, I was determined not to spend the time he was there eating and watching TV like usual. The dog and I instead went on a walk as far as we could in one direction until he finished work.
I can’t tell you exactly how far we walked as I forgot to restart my app after stopping to check a map, but it was about 12km. We saw lots of sights that were new, enjoyed the sun and wore down the dogs cat-like claws on the footpath along the way.
Then we both had a nice nap at home.

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Dunedin Craft Beer Expo

Today we went to Dunedin Railway Station for the Craft Beer Expo. We sampled many delicious and new beers – the coconut milk stout was surprisingly good.
The Taieri Gorge Train was available for people to sit in which proved priceless as the weather turned nasty.
All in all a great inaugural event, roll on 2015.

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No Day Like a Snow Day

When I peeked out of the curtains this morning and saw the snow I was ready for the day in less than 30 seconds. I love, love, love, snow on the beach and I had to go and see it. It is just such an odd juxtaposition.
The snow kept falling in enormous flakes but Mr Pigalina needed to head to his work to retrieve his laptop to carry on with a project. He headed in in my car, vowing to return shortly, and then decided to stay there.
I have been forced stay at home, by the fire, watching “Diana, Her True Story”.