Waipapa Point Lighthouse
The Catlins is a fairly large preserve on the South Eastern part of the South Island. It is an incredibly special place, and impossible to take in in one day.
Oystercatcher dining in the tidal pools
We've decided that we're going to methodically visit as much of this area as possible. We've started with Waipapa Point.
Girls determined to give their mother a heart attack
Yeah, you'd better run
Most of the 131 passengers who perished are buried in a cemetery overlooking the shore. There is an eeriness that lingers.
Volcanic rocks are beautiful and deadly
The power of the ocean here is intimidating, and quickly reminds you of your place in the scheme of things.
Sea Lions frolic in the kelp beds
But even so, there is a playfulness about the place and it's inhabitants.
Oh. Hey there.
They don't seem to mind sharing space, and put on a pretty good show playing around.
Sea spray off the point
It is remarkably windy here. Sailors refer to this part of the world as "The Roaring 40s" because it lies at roughly 40 degrees latitude and there are no landmasses to break the westerly winds. The nearest windbreak from here is Patagonia.
Flamenco dancing tree
Looking toward Antarctica
Your coastal posts are incredible! The lighthouse pic reminds me a bit of Nantucket. Flatter perhaps, but something... How is the air? Aside from the wind! Crisp, clear? I have a thing for sea air!
ReplyDeleteThe sea air here is amazing!!! Very crisp, and carries way inland. The sun is quite different though. It's incredibly intense, and feels a bit prickly. The combination of very thin ozone and very little pollution gives it a very high UV rating. I've gotten a bit scalded in 30 minutes, and I don't burn easily!
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