Tunnel Beach

The trailhead to Tunnel Beach is about a five minute drive from our flat. It was a beautiful hike down the steep path to where this amazing experience awaited us. The tunnel was built in 1870 by John Cargill so that his family could enjoy the secluded beach surrounded by steep cliffs.

The views on the way down are spectacular.

Several unique formations awaited us at the bottom. The waves roaring through this tunnel would make a great soundtrack.

There are so many different vistas to enjoy along the Southland coastline.

This is the entrance to the tunnel down to the beach.

We had to watch our heads as we descended. Notice the steps carved into the tunnel bottom.

One important part of planning your trip down to the beach is to know when low tide is.

This is what greets you at low tide. If you time your trip at high tide you will miss out on the beach. We have a photo taken from the outlook where those two people are standing later in the photos.

The steep walls surrounding the beach provide for more unique views.

We can imagine the Cargill children having a fun-filled afternoon playing among the rock formations.

Waves try to conceal a far-off rock formation.

Now when did we go on this outing?

Tunnel Beach as seen from above.

Only drawback..... he who hikes down, must hike back up!!

Dunedin Botanical Gardens

We spent a few hours walking through the Dunedin Botanical Gardens today. We will let the photos do the talking. Needless to say, it was a wonderful, relaxing experience.

Nugget Lighthouse 2

Saturday, March 5, 2016

During our first visit to the Nugget Point Lighthouse we encountered foggy weather. We decided to make a return visit to enjoy the area on a clear day. Glad we did!!

Taken from a beach near Kaka Point. The "nuggets" are in the water to the left of the lighthouse.

A beautiful and enjoyable walk from the carpark.

".....and in my right hand you see the lighthouse."

This view is looking towards the southeast..... Antarctica is out there somewhere.

A mother seal feeds her pup.

The "nuggets as seen from the viewing platform. Lots of seals below..... some playing..... some sleeping.

We counted at least ten seals and one bird in this photo.

Sister Edward had a nice visit with the people who took our photo. They were from India.

Another sign you won't see in Utah.

On a beach near Kaka Point..... so excited..... a sea lion to take some cool photos of.

First, a big yawn.... now for the perfect photo-op!!

Only one problem..... plop..... nap time.  Oh, well.