Day 22- Left Mt. Cook and Headed to Oamaru on the East Coast

Naturally, the morning that we leave Mt. Cook, there is no fog there with beautiful sun shining. It does make for a nice day to drive. Because it was so pretty out, I decided to give a try at driving the Morgan, the first time on this trip. The first issue is the ability to get into the car in the drivers seat behind the steering wheel. I was successful in this endeavor, but wasn't too sure about my ability to get out of that seat…. but never mind, I will take care of that problem later. 

Mt Cook When We Left

Lake Pukaki

On the Road Again

I drove for the 1st hour to the scheduled Coffee Stop at a restaurant/gift shop owned by former Morgan owners Lindsay and Bev. They sold their Aero and bought an Aston Martin. I think they will go back to a Morgan at some point. We all enjoyed the stop, and I bought a Lamb Pillow (no picture yet- it is in Michael's car). I did manage to get OUT of the Morgan, although it wasn't a pretty site. 

Coffee stop at Omarama

Owned by previous Morgan Owners

Thank you Plaque to Lindsay and Bev

Three Wheel Morgan Toy (Photo by Dave)

Lindsay then led us to two dams Benemore Dam and Aviemore Dam

and explained to us how/why and when they were built. Of course we strived for the perfect Morgan Photos. 

Our Morgan at Lake Benemore

All Morgans at Lake Benemore

We continued on where we stopped at Lake Aviemore Dam, where we went through the same exercise of taking the perfect Morgan photo

Our Morgan at Lake Aviemore Dam

All Morgans at Lake Aviemore

Morgans at Lake Aviemore

By now Philip was driving, as my back was aching a bit from the turning and parking the Morgan with no power steering. 

On the Road

Maori Writings

Some of our group stopped to see these writings and continue on to the Elephant Rocks, but we just continued on the route to Oamaru. Philip said the Elephant Rocks photos on Google weren't that interesting. Some found it interesting and had their picnic lunch there.

We continued on to Oamaru, checked in to our "dated" motel room, and headed to the famous Scottish restaurant, McDonald's, where we enjoyed Angus burgers with Michael and Patsy. 

Heritage Hotel in Oamaru

The motel had a very friendly cat, who knew right where our refrigerator was and that there was milk in it (for our tea). She got the milk…. and we got a pet.

Kitty Fix

We headed out to find some wine and do a quick tour of the town. Patsy and Michael went off on their own to find the penguins (they didn't) 

Patsy went Penquin Searching (photo by Michael)

and then they went to the breakwater for some photos. There were large waves behind Michael

Michael on the Breakwall (photo by Patsy)

and one huge wave that drenched Michael..we don't know if Patsy laughed or not. 

Getting Drenched (photo by Patsy)

Michael Drenched (Photo by Patsy)

Meanwhile, we were having cocktail hour on the porch when Patsy and Michael returned…..

Cocktail Hour on the Porch

and here comes Michael… poor dear. I will "pay" for posting this photo..

Michael Returns to  Motel

We had a good  dinner in the motel restaurant once Michael found a dry shirt, then off for a good night sleep.