From Glenorchy to Seacliff via the Catlins

Dart Stables gave us an amazing horse trek with four river crossings with the Misty Mountains from TLOR (The Lord of the Rings) as the backdrop. Princess Tahlia rode a former racehorse that had a role in the second and third films, while I rode a majestic Clydesdale named Drum Major. It was cold and grey but that just made it more dramatic. Princess Tahlia got lots of cantering time and I haven’t fallen off yet.

It was hard to leave Glenorchy and drive towards the Catlins. The weather is cold and wet and we don’t really mind at all, but the locals are not impressed. Princess Tahlia is taking it all in her stride. (She has just devoured the third tome of the Twilight series). Last night we stayed in a cabin in Gore and the rain tattooed the roof all night. There were cute old NZ caravans scattered around the park. Normally it would be full at this time of the year. Who knows where the rain has sent the other travellers and local holiday-makers?

The Petrified Forest at Curio Bay in the Catlins was really awesome in the old-fashioned sense. 160 million years old. Impressed. We also were impressed by more contemporary things when we stopped at a gypsy caravan place full of quirky objects that we could wind and whirl. Our own garden will surely show this influence in the near future.

Now we are in Seacliff Lunatic Asylum. Where Janet Frame was incarcerated. Now a backpackers hostel, with about 50 vintage cars occupying the sheds and three horses waiting for a trek tomorrow if the weather improves. Princess Tahlia is in the lobby learning to juggle from a German backpacker. I am by the fire with a tummy full of popcorn. (that girl is a great cook).