Derek's New Zealand Blog 2012

Monday 9th January

After working nights and without a sleep, Chris joined me at Concord so we could drive to Black Head with me at the wheel of my borrowed car. Chris explained that the turning left law while another car wanted to turn right is opposite in New Zealand to the United Kingdom law.

Black Head Beach

Black Head and New Zealand Sea Lions on beach

We parked on a gravel car park by a quarry, used by the surfers. Apparently Black Head was much higher before the quarry existed. Down the short sandy track to the beach with Tor & Jed, two Hunterway/Beardie dogs. Large  black stones obviously from Black Head negotiated  before the perfect golden beach. Apart from a few surfers, only one couple were enjoying the perfect sunny day on the beach. The dogs had a beano running along the beach until we came across a couple of New Zealand Seals sunbathing.

This is where the dogs were closely controlled. Not sure if the seals were Male & Female or Mother & offspring, one seal being definitely smaller than the other.

New Zealand Sea Lions on Black Head Beach

Back in the car for a drive to a quiet parking spot, just beyond Brighton. Beach deserted, but didn't go far because the wind had got up and the loose sand was blowing around. Stopped for an ice cream in Brighton, then continued to Scroggs Hill along a gravel road. Stopped to admire the good views from the road near the summit over the Taieri River plain to Maungatua Hills. Continued down the steep hill to State Highway One and Chris's place.

Mosgiel on Taieri River Plain

Sunny, Windy at Times, No Rain

25 degrees C, 50% Cloud