Catlins Day I

The Catlins are found at the southern-most point of New Zealand with many interesting and beautiful stops along a slow going scenic highway.

a winding walk out to an the Nugget Point lighthouse built in the 1800's

Jagged cliffs led down to rocky mini-islands, home to many loud and playful seals







Joe and I spent the night on the beach at Cannibal Bay....

there were many cartoon-like birds on our beach walk...



these little black ones with bright, oversized orange beaks and beady red eyes

or these (my favorite) with their long skinny legs, they were very fast and very skiddish so it was hard to get a good shot of their strange disproportions
joe awaking the beastly sea lion

they have to be the ugliest, laziest animal

more like a furry turd

the wind at the catlins is extremely intense, causing trees to grow in odd shapes

the area is famous for these wind swept trees

some of my favorite shots so far where of these trees

come on down and join us for some wine & cheese down on the beach :)