Penguins and other Beasts

In search of the yellow and blue

Another first for us last night - the chance of seeing penguins in the wild. No doubt you're well versed in the seventeen species of penguin; there are two in New Zealand, and we went in search of both.

First, the rare yellow-eyed penguin. We lined up (in wind and rain) on a clifftop in the hope of seeing them come onto the beach and make their way up the cliff to their nests. It was worth getting wet - saw two come out of the water, another on its nest in the bushes, then another sauntered up the cliff path and obliged us for photos (see above).

Then on to the smaller but more numerous blue penguins. This time a rocky shoreline where they come ashore in groups ('rafts') for safety, clambering onto the rocks (or rather, allowing themselves to be hurled onto them), climbing to safety, then crossing the road and moving to their nests in the bushes. A remarkable sight, and hugely entertaining.

I haven't said much recently about life with our motorhome, the Beast. Actually, we should re-name it; my big fears have been confounded. I fretted enormously about being able to drive the thing, and dealing with the chemical toilet; both have so far been pretty trouble-free (famous last words). The campsites are less spacious but better-equipped than expected (excellent showers etc), and it's kind of fun preparing meals for ourselves. We always have the get-out of going to a hotel, but haven't so far felt the need.

All in all, the Beast has clearly enhanced rather than detracted from the holiday.