Awoke to a clear blue sky and promise of a fine day. Pat cooked us a full breakfast and after a chat we got away about 9 a.m. About half an hour drive to Bluff which is a sad looking place. Collected boarding passes for the ferry to Stewart Island and dropped our suitcases into a big metal bin. Went off and found the end of the road. One can go no further on the mainland. Had a very ordinary coffee and a biscuit at a fairly dilapidated coffee shop cum gallery. By this time it had seriously clouded over and wasn't looking too flash at all except that it was still, mercifully, calm.Boarded and left right on time. The trip over was a good one apparently, although lots of spray came on board. We sat out the back in the fresh air up against the cabin. So we were mostly protected and, fortunately, the sea sick pills I got in Invercargill were successful. Arrived on the dot of 12pm and Charlotte from the Bay Motel was there with her van to transport us to the Bay Motel. The motel is up the hill above the tiny township of Oban, and before taking us there she gave us a quick tour.
Wandered down to the South Seas hotel and had seafood chowder for lunch. Then, had a leisurely look around town exploring what there is. Bill walked over the hill to where we pick up our tour to Ulva Island tomorrow. My highlight was standing on a bush track near the motel watching and listening to a tui singing his heart out. By now, the weather, although cool, had cleared and, hopefully will be good for our excursion tomorrow.
Oban, Half Moon Bay Stewart Island from motel balcony
The end of the road. There is no more.
A kaka on our balcony
No comments:
Post a Comment