Nov 10 Riverton to Te Anau

Today was a nice leisurely day...not too much driving...only about 2 hours or so.  It gave me plenty of time to have a delightful breakfast made of fresh fruit, homemade muesli with passion fruit yogurt and eggs fresh from the chickens out back.  I also had the opportunity to chat with my lovely host, Jude and to visit her garden and orchard out back...she has created a little garden of Eden with her fruits and veggies.
I then continued on my way via the scenic route...of course...with a few stops at some spectacular beaches.  The first one that I stopped at I decided to do some more flute practice, and had a number of audience members; the first one flew in and signaled to his buddies and then a few more flew in. At one point, I had a small flock listening intently and even accompanying me as I serenaded them with Chopin and Mozart.  They were highly appreciative and not terribly discerning...just my kind of audience!

I continued to wend my way along the southern coast and eventually hit the end of the road and needed to turn north...but WOW what an amazing view of ocean and mountains in the distance.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take too many pictures today because I didn't have anywhere to pull over and shoot...and I have been warned NOT to just stop along side the road and take out my camera.  Apparently, it is a really big issue here, and causes accidents.  But really, who can blame those who do, the scenery is simply breathtaking!

I made my way into Manapouri and Te Anau and found the GoOrange offices where I confirmed my kayaking reservation, rented a sleeping bag and got a few more details about my trip tomorrow.  I then found a grocery store and bought food for the trip (we have to bring all our own food) and then headed to my B&B early-ish to gather all my gear together.  The shuttle is picking me up here tomorrow morning at 6:15 am, and I didn't want to be doing that organizing bit in the wee hours.
I am so excited about tomorrow...I will have no connectivity at all, as I am heading into the Fiordland wilderness for a two-day kayaking tour, camping overnight with the sandflies.  (eeek).  The weather is predicted to be really nice and I hope to see a lot of wildlife and get some really great videos and pictures.  I will look forward to posting them in a couple of days.