God Bless Pope Francis

Woke up this morning at just turned 7 o'clock to see the white smoke rising above St. Peter's. Please remember the new Pope Francis in your prayers. Yesterday morning we left Invercargill and headed via the scenic route to Dunedin. This is longer than the main highway but there are lots of viewing stops on the way. Before leaving Invercargill we went to Mass at St. Mary's Basilica. Looks really impressive from the outside but been reordered out of character. A 19th century build with 21st century decor. Not my cup of tea. At least we got to attend Mass, which is a bonus out here. Our first stop on the road was at Slope Point. This is the most Southern point of New Zealand South Island. It was a 20 minute walk through sheep pastures from leaving the car to arriving at the cliffs edge. There was no protection from the South Westerlies that blow in from Antarctica as the picture of the trees testifies. There is no foliage on the Southerly facing side of the trees and they are all leaning. A weird sight. Our next stop was at the New Zealand version Of Niagara Falls. Take a look and be amazed. It was not long before we were walking again, up hill and down dale, in search of penguins. We were heading to the viewing platform at Nuggett Point. No Penguins, only seals and yet more stunning views. A roadside stop at Florence hill look out for photo shoot. We finally arrived at our motel in Dunedin at around 7-30 in the evening. After breakfast this morning we headed into the city with "a spring in our step"(we were in the car actually). Purely by chance, the first place of interest we came across as we walked, was St Joseph's Cathedral. An early opportunity to stop of and give thanks for the good news we woke to. We were too late for Mass but what a difference to the Basilica at Invercargill. Yet another 19th century structure but this one had the Sanctuary reordered. There was a Priory next door to the Cathedral which appeared deserted and falling into disrepair. Q98nh0w7XwU/UUG5yDbufMI/AAAAAAAAA7s/nkGf_nK9GfA/s320/SAM_1058.JPG" /> The rest of the day was spent sight seeing in and around Dunedin. Firstly calling in at the Chinese Gardens right in the heart of the city. We then drove out to MacAndrew Bay and chilled out by the beach in the sun for a couple of hours. As the afternoon drew to a close we set off in search of the elusive Yellow Eyed Penguins at Sand Fly Bay.This involved leaving our car and tramping across moorland to a cliffs edge and dropping down over 400ft of steep sand dunes and onto a beach of golden sand. The beach was just over a mile long and was inhabited by sea lions, just basking in the sun. At the far end of the beach we had to climb back into some smaller sand dunes to a purpose built hide and wait for the penguins. There were only four appeared and at a distance, so not very clear on the pics. We stayed there until 7 o'clock and then plucked up the courage to conquer the dunes to get us back to the car. It was hard work on the steep soft sand. Worked up a thirst though for a couple of pints of dark mild with our pasta tea.