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Today we travel to Dunedin for a night stay. We have decided to go across from Te Anau instead of down to the coast line and then up. There where several things we wanted to have time for that this route would allow.
The countryside as you leave Te Anau becomes more low rolling hills and no forest. When we where driving into Milford Sound yesterday the forest would come to the edge of the road and cover you in green tapestry. Then the foliage would part and there would be a majestic moutain. Or there would be a clearing that would last a short time and return to forest. I agree with the advice to do Doubtful Sound cruise and then drive Milford.
As we where 25 miles out of town I made reservations for the Cadbury chololate factory and for the Speight's brewery tour. Both where good and gave you plenty of samples of their products. After the brewery tour we where caught in that no eating time frame so our dinner was more of a appetizer with chocolate from that tour for dessert.
It was supposed to rain all day but the only rain in town was inbetween tours but we had our rain coats. According to our host the wind is coming from the Antartica and that is why there is such a chill to the wind.
Tomorrow our plan is to visit the Royal Albatrosses, the largest birds of flight. Their wings are 10 feet they can travel at 70 mph, mate for life and have a chick every two years. Along the way we will stop at Pilot Beach to see the fur seals. If time allows we will also stop and see the Penguin Place to see ther rare Chaplinesque yellow eyed penguins.
In 1860's gold was discovered in Dunedin and all growth and power that is connected to findings as this happened here. Dunedin is where the country's fist university, medical school, and finest educational institutions, first electric trams and cable car system, outside of the US was established.
A couple of English ways that are nice and would take some getting used to. Nice are the heated towel racks. What would take getting used to is not having the heat on all night. Great is everyone in how helpful, kind, and gracious they are. Even the traffic signs for construction say 'Please stop upon request' and 'Thank you work end' at the end of the construction.
We also went to the Dunedin Railway Station. It was designed by George Troup and he liked gingerbread so was nicknamed "Gingerbread George". The foyer is a majolica mosaic-tiled floor with nine central panels. It is truly the most beautiful train station I have ever seen.
The weather has not improved since last night so we will see about the stops we wanted to make. We are also without service again so will send when we can.
Blessings everyone.
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