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Today started as we viewed the sunrise over the harbour, and proved to be a glorious day.
We then set off for Curio Bay, all of 6km away. But we hit congestion as we encountered a huge flock of sheep being hearded 10km between farms. It was great watching the dogs work as we inched along behind them.
We arrived at Curio Bay with the tide still out, which was what we required to be able to view the petrified forest. This is not a bunch of trees scared of the water, but a fossilised forest. With a cursory glance it looks like a plethora of rocks, but closer inspection reveals these rocks are fossilised tree stumps, and there are some trunks that had fallen and are laying flat.
We then headed for Purakaunui Falls. A beautiful 10 min walk through forest brought us to these lovely falls.
We stopped for a coffee break in Papatowai at The Lost Gypsy Curios. If you ever travel to The Catlins, do stop here. The guy is an artist who constructs magical gizmos from pieces of old junk. You can view the free gallery aboard his old bus, but it is well worth paying $5 to see the rest of his amazing creations.
Next on the list was a short walk to Lake Wilkie. A small but beautiful clear lake set amongst the trees, including many manuka trees. I have never seen so many beautiful dragonflies in one place.
Another short drive brought us to a short walk in the Tuatutku Estuary, where a boardwalk enabled us to walk out into the reeds and watch tiny crabs going about their business in the shallow water.
Yet another short drive and walk brought us to the totally stunning McClean Falls, the best I've seen so far as the water plummets down several layers.
Then it was time to grab some food at the nearby Whistling Frog, where I enjoyed a delicious lamb burger, and my Bro fish and chips.
Once our hunger was sated, we were ready to tackle the nearby Cathedral Caves. These can only be accessed 2 hours either side of low tide. They consist of two huge, connected caverns that have been carved out by the sea. At the back of the largest, we could just make out a yellow eyed penguin protecting its young. We didn't want to get any closer and risk frightening it. At this time of year, they are molting and if scared they may well run to the sea. However, without their protective feathers, they would drown. So definitely not worth the risk.
We then reluctantly took our leave of the glorious Catlins and made for Invercargill, where well be spending the night.
Today we covered a smidgen over 200km.
More photos will be uploaded in due course, but it's late and I need to sleep!
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