Little Blue Penguins!!!

We had a good drive up from Bluff and Slope point to the Otago Peninsula, passing the outlying areas of Dunedin along the way. We were given GPS along with our rig, which we're enjoying and glad we have. We've nicknamed her BB for Bossy Bitch. "In 500 meters turn left." Turn LEFT! TURN LEFT! etc, etc! It seems that when I put our destination in, she chooses the 'shortest' route, not necessarily the best route. We've been on a few narrow residential streets, and so far have been able to get to where we're going. Believe me it's TONS better than the Ford and 5th wheel!

Some of these side roads have lead to some fantastic views over the land and bays!

Overlooking Dunedin Harbor - stormy clouds. We decided to purchase tickets at the Royal Albatross Center at Taiaroa Head, the very entrance to Dunedin harbor, to see the little blue penguins come ashore.

They give you a glow in the dark wrist band, a brief lecture, then everyone traipses down the hill to the viewing platform about 10 meters from the water's edge.

The center has installed LED UV lights under the edges of the platform that don't bother the penquins, but allows the paid guests to sort of view them. Photographers dream it was not, but we still had a good time! All in all, we got to see about 20 come out of the water and several babies that had been waiting in the nests below the platform, come rushing out to meet Mom and pester her about dinner!

It was also quite warm, no wind and the stars were awesome. We also purchased tickets to view the Royal Albatross's the next morning. When we arrived we had 60+mph winds blowing across the parking lot. It was as if we were in hurricane winds! We three had to lock arms and heads down made our way to the center. Not a good day for photos, and due to the extreme winds, the birds were staying put also. We opted to bail, and will hope for the refund. Scooting back across the parking lot was a thrill and then the drive to the bottom was tense, but uneventful. No photos, too much sand blasting from the flying debris!