Hello again! We left Angie's yesterday and headed to Oamaru down the coast. Theres a Blue Penguin colony here, so naturally I wanted to see them. Like Shearwaters they only come ashore at dusk (they are so titchy, 30 cm (the smallest penguin), and need to avoid predation). It's a semi-urban colony that needs constant protection - so weirdly enough they have had to erect a grandstand-type thing with special floodlights so people can watch without disturbing them! About 200+ pairs. The nests are mostly artificial wood tunnels (remember the Storm petrels Paul?). We got a great view for about an hour and a half, some penguins coming really close. Great experience in spite of weird football match setting!

Of course it was dark after that, about 11pm, and we still hadnt found anywhere to sleep! Eventually we found what we hoped was a good site, although we couldnt be sure in the dark! We were all late getting up this am, the sun out, and yes, a great site, VERY underpopulated and only $6! A clearing in woodland with a rocky stream close by. Bobsie - you'll have to set me a new challenge....... I saw a NZ kingfisher here! No luck finding any gold though.

After lunch, sun still out, back on the road to Dunedin. We are at a site on the Otago peninsula, unfortunately another car parky site, but needs must, we have to get some power and do some laundry!

Tomorrow.....we hope, royal albatrosses.

Paul, the girl executing Bernie was Emily, the daughter of the best man, who unfortunately captured some disgraceful photos of me enjoying myself at the wedding. Love to all, more soon xxx