Day 23- Short drive Oamaru to Dunedin via Moeraki Boulders

It is now Day 35, so I have some catching up to do…..

I will attempt to write this while watching the Beatles, a Grammy Salute on television…..

The morning was overcast as we headed toward Hampden where we would find The Moeraki Boulders.  As usual, we were way behind most of the other groups in leaving the motel alone, although later we found that many had stopped in Oamaru to check out the shops and were, in fact, behind us. 

Construction 

We didn't know exactly which road the Boulders were down off Highway 1, so we headed seaside on one (wrong) road. I love these signs for railroad crossings. 

Love this Sign

Eventually we found the  correct road leading to the site of the Moeraki Boulders and parked at the restaurant.

View from Parking Lot

Morgan at the Beach

As usual, we attracted all the Asian tourists to take photos of our cars. In the field beside the parking lot were these Alpacas. I do not know why they are in this location?

Alpacas

It was a steep walk down to the beach from the restaurant at the top of the cliff, which of course made me nervous- can I make it back up? (I did- no problem)

We found that many of the group were still on the beach so we joined with them. 

Driftwood on the Beach

Moeraki Boulders on the Beach

Elaine Lifting a Boulder

Elaine and Philip at Moeraki Boulders

Colin and Callie Inside a Boulder

Such an Interesting Boulder

Michael Pushing a Big Boulder  (photo by Patsy)

Linda and Roger  in the Boulder

Roger Getting Silly Upside Down

Lunch at the Lookout

We joined the group when they left the beach, and followed them down Highway 1. Callie found a wonderful spot for a picnic lunch.

Lunch and Overlook

Morgans at Lunch Stop

Vivienne and Richard Stopped By

We arrived in Dunedin mid afternoon and checked into our hotel. Having heard Patsy's "war cry" as we drove through the Octagon on entering the city, we walked down to the Octagon to find Patsy and Michael. It was time for "the first of the day", so we sat down and called Michael. They were nearby shopping for Merino Sweaters. Eventually we caught up together, and wandered the Dunedin shopping center. 

First of the Day by Philip in Dunedin

Michael in Dunedin

As we were returning to the hotel, we came across Tuesdays Only, which had nostalgic clothes. We called Patsy and she came over and we spent the next hour trying on nearly everything in the store. Patsy picked up a few items for Napier Weekend. 
Dave had previously visited the restaurant where we were to have dinner, and had found this lock on the door. His family had this lock company many years ago, and this was the first TOZER lock he had ever seen. He HAD to have it…. and eventually the owner indicated he would send it to Dave.

David Tozer found this lock on Two Chefs Restaurant

Two chefs divided the group into two tables for dinner. This is the "other table".

Some of the group at 2 Chefs

Linda and Roger had been dining alone at the restaurant earlier. Roger had ordered strawberries and ice cream for dessert (not on the menu), so I copied his request and it was delicious and expensive (everything in New Zealand is expensive).

Linda and Roger at Dinner 

A stroll back to the hotel for a good nights sleep in preparation for wandering around Dunedin tomorrow.
The Beatles Special has been wonderful and is just about over. Lee- Joe Walsh was on it.