Leg 3: Otautau

The last two flights of the trip aren't much worth mentioning, other than this view as you approach the South Island from the north, near Nelson. 

I could not wait to get my first view of the sheep. I might have even squealed a bit when I first saw them.

I love them. And it's a really good thing, because there are a LOT of them. 

The area where we are living is big in agriculture and forestry. We live in a tiny town rural town, about 25 minutes from the coast. Every inch that we've seen is more spectacular than the last. It's astonishingly beautiful, with rolling hills and greens that almost don't seem real.

Apparently there is a coal train that runs through, but I have yet to see it. 

Otautau, heart of Western Southland, Pop. 720. Give or take a few.

And it is quaint perfection, especially because of it's few rough edges. Main Street is actually a bit larger than I was expecting. The people, so far, are beyond wonderful. Though I must confess that I've just about jumped out of my skin a couple of times as someone honks to say Ga'Day when my back was turned. 

Many of the original historic buildings are still standing and are in great repair. 

And these are my cherries. I was thrilled when I first saw them in our yard. Pie anyone?

But cherries couldn't make me half as happy as these two cuties peeking out from behind a thistle. They live across the street from us. There are sheep and chickens there too. I sat out on our porch last night listening to them all chatting. I think I heard them say "Good Night SueEllen. Good Night Mama. Good Night Daddy. Good Night John Boy..."

What I wish I'd done: Gotten a better breakfast into the girls. Lack of food = fragile emotions, though they've been remarkably good travelers. 

What I wish I hadn't: Again, nothing. So far, anything I've forgotten hasn't been missed.

Total travel time: 4 hours. Thank you sweet Baby Jesus that I don't have to get on another infernal airplane anytime soon.