Blue skies and blue penguins

Woke to a chilly morning with bright blue sky, sun and fresh snow at a much lower level than when we went to bed last night. We had decided to tackle the Bealey Spur Track today to at least get some views of the mountains after the last two washouts (literally). Unfortunately Chris didn't feel very well when he got up, so I left him in the car with his book while I set off on the 9 mile return trip. It was a magnificent walk, once above the bush line there were views that kept opening out to show more and more snow covered tops. It was a steady climb up the spur of the mountain for a good part of the way and then just steadily uphill to the destination - Bealey High Hut (or corrugated iron hut as some might call it). Inside there are 6 sleeping platforms and an open fireplace and that's it, so you need to come prepared. There was still ice on the ground when I got there, but the day was perfect for walking and I didn't see anybody on the way up, although going down quite a few people were on the ridge, going as far as the first viewpoint.

Then followed a non-remarkable and somewhat long drive down from Arthur's Pass (virtually no traffic since the road is still closed) and on to join the main road south, eventually ending up in Oamaru. We nipped out quickly to get something to eat and then set off on a 5 mile round trip walk to see the Little Blue Penguins coming ashore at dusk.  There seem to be a disproportionate number of Chinese tourists here and the entire commentary before the Penguins appeared was translated into Mandarin - trying to stop them all using their cameras, smart phones or tablets was a full time job for about 3 staff members. The Penguins came ashore much more spread out in time than usual and virtually everyone had left before the last and largest 'raft' came ashore - well worth the wait, especially as they had to negotiate their way round several seals who were snoozing on their path from the water's edge to their nesting sites.  It was nearly midnight before we got back.

Over a cup of tea we are contemplating what to do tomorrow. There is a list of things you can do for free, helpfully included in the room folder. Chris is inclining towards the 'Electricity Heritage Trail', while I can hardly resist the lure of the 'Social Security Museum' but perhaps we'll just head to the Soap Museum instead.......Tune in tomorrow to find out.  Photos are of the scenery today