Last weekend we did the walk from
Eastbourne to Pencarrow
(we last did
it back in 2008).It was a lovely clear, still day. These sea birds were
resting on a rock – prompting various rude suggestions as to what a meeting
place for shags would be called
(I went with shagery).
These are foreign interlopers, California Quail, that
are often seen in the bush near human settlement. They are quite cute when they
have chicks, often about a dozen tiny balls of fluff scurrying about around mum
(or dad).
We think this is a New Zealand Pipit (Pihoihoi)
enjoying a bath in a puddle.
Feral goats inhabit the steep cliff faces
along the track.
We passed the forward
mast of the Wahine, erected in 2010 as a memorial to those who died in the disaster of 1968.
A lot of people were out on the water,
fishing, diving or just enjoying the fine weather. In the background are the
snow covered peaks of the Kaikoura
Ranges. I think Tapuae-o-Uenuku
is on the right.
Here is Noreen embracing the day.
I always seemed to at the back of the
group, stopping often to take photos. This is a typical scene showing the long
and winding road, with Tapuae-o-Uenuku that small white blob in the lower
right. The clouds were making some quite interesting patterns as well.
We went past the lower lighthouse. Looking
back you can see the two beacons guarding the harbour entrance. I don’t know
what the structure on the beach is. It is possibly something to do with the
construction of the sewer outfall which is just round the corner (behind the
photographer).
It was so still, Lake
Kohangapiripiri was like a mirror.
A quick climb brought us to the top
lighthouse where we had lunch.
From here we got a good view of the track
we would have to return on.
In other news Sam and Bex have just
departed on the first leg of their OE. They are flying
to Brisbane to stay with friends for a few days then head west to Kalgoorlie
where they have locum jobs for six weeks. They have also got engaged of which
we approve whole-heartedly and are very excited about. We took them out for
dinner at Ambeli which is possibly our
favourite restaurant. This photo is from Noreen’s phone and a bit grainy but
hopefully you can feel the elegance!
And finally here are the happy couple just about
to board their plane at Wellington this morning. Noreen had stocked them up
with essential reading material which they are displaying. Bon voyage, be safe
and come home soon (but not before you’ve seen the world).
P.S. So Jenny doesn’t feel left out, I can
report that she has got a new job but I’m not allowed to say with whom. If she
sends me some decent pictures I can publish them (or she can always do it
herself). She did make it on the tv news here by attending an Olympic function
at Kiwi House in London. If you’re quick you can just spot her at about 1 minute 30 seconds into this.
