Day 38

Early morning with the tide out to visit Monkey Island. We (with Esther) walked out in the wind and quickly explored the small lookout at the top of the little island. Returned back to the cars for breakfast with hopes of good pancakes using Esther’s pan, but our hopes were foiled again and we settled with sandwiches. Headed to gemstone beach via the travel guide, only to find a windblown sandy shore, no rocks around! Parting with Esther, drove to the Long Hilly Track. Marianne tried out her new boots with some of my socks and the walk sheltered us from the ocean gales. There was a nice wooden bench but the walk was shorter than we’d hoped. Reaching Riverton, collected some good maps, some mobile reception (sadly informing the death of Marianne’s best friends cat) and some tasty wraps from a cafe. Also a new cup for Salsa! Stopped by a garden desperate for some TLC, then went to Mores Scenic Reserve. We spotted Esther’s car and went for a one way walk to a very windy lookout.

Upon our return met with Esther again who had gone to the other lookout. Grouping up, went to Esther’s lookout (equally windy) then the follow on loop track. Wonderful forest and sheep chasing entertained us. Exchanged numbers with Esther then moved on to Howells Point and Te Wai Korari wetland, the first lacked activities and the second lacked existence (the wetland was buried in bushes). Giving up we watched some dogs training with hurdles a seesaw and poles before heading to Invercargill. Following a sign we stopped at an Art Gallery Garden, which was an Estate open to the public. The gardens were very well kept and nice to explore but the gallery, normally held in the large house, had been moved. Arriving in Invercargill, re-stocked the food and Sue’s fuel then went to Queens Park. We enjoyed the wondrous Aviaries (will return!) and the simpler Japanese garden. After a few calls Esther found us at the Park and we went to Pleasure Bay Lagoon for one last walk. It was anything but a pleasure being pushed around by galling winds. Followed Esther way out of town to a camping area to have hot dogs and rice for dinner in the rain.

Entree Written By Jack