Arrived Kaikoura

March 12, 2010

I have posted some pictures of our journey to Kaikoura. We passed through a number of pasturelands as they call it here. It was noticeably drier as we drove and a lot more irrigation going on. We did take the shortcut recommended and it was a skinnier road but not as travelled. One spot was a bit tricky as the map showed that we should catch another short cut. So true to the Puderbaugh spirit, we went straight on a gravel road on an adventure. This led through pastures and we were hoping to hit the next road but as it turned out the gravel roads do not run like they do in Iowa. So many mountains, so little fields. We turned around but felt it was worth the short bit of time and gas for the experience. We did find out next real shortcut and continued on our way. The map was a little off, really!

One of the things that has been interesting is the one way bridges. I took pictures and posted them before but I posted what is written on the roads. You have to slow down to prepare to yield to oncoming traffic and if none you shoot across. In some cases we have travelled over two to three attached one way bridges with yield sections in them because you can't see that far. Cool, huh?

I took over driving and the road was pretty twisty with speed limits of 25 km at some points in the trip. We arrived in Kaikoura and went to the I site which is information and booking. We were interested in some possible boat cruises to view albatross or kayaking with the seals but today there was a high seasick warning. So we decided to head down to the peninsula to see if we could spot the seal colony. We were able to see them on the rocks in the ocean. We hike out on the shore which is rocky as far as possible and took a few pics and looked through the binoculars. Then we headed back down the road to an oceanside outdoor grill for a quick lunch. We had scallop sandwich and prawn patty sandwich, both were tasty. We shared a table with a couple from the UK and exchanged travel stories. They mentioned going back to see the seals as the tide was coming in.

After finishing our lunch, we headed back to the point. Well, there they were ashore. Some laying on the banks, some still out to sea on rocks, some in the water, and some up in the grassy area. There are some shots of a black seal who was enjoying posing for the cameras. He kept scratching himself and turning his head upside down. A real clown.

It started to cloud up and a few sprinkles began to fall so we headed to the car. Steve called Krista and we chatted for a few minutes. The rain started to come down harder so we began the drive to find our hotel. Well, it really came in and began to hail really heavy. The roads and lawns were covered and it was difficult to see. A bit slippery too. I have some pictures attached. It is still raining but not as hard so we will stay in for awhile longer and relax.

We did end up going out to eat at White Morph Restaurant which was recommended by our hosts. I had a nice salmon dish and Steve had ruffy fish. Then we went for a ride and found an overlook but was pretty breezy. The rain has stopped but is suppose to be in the 40's tonight! Brrrr! We won't complain because this is really the first day of weather that put a stop to outdoor activity. We will see what tomorrow brings.