The spaceship roadtrip

The weather took a turn for the worst, in a big way for our remaining days in the spaceship. Our vision of camping by the beach in the Catlins were dashed by severe gales and rainstorms. Let me tell you that sleeping in a converted people carrier, in what feels like a hurricane is not fun, especially when its swaying alot and there are pea-sized hails stones rattling off the window. I asked Alan several times on our second night if it was possible for the car to be blown over.

The Catlins aren't particularly stunning, not compared to the rest of the south island. But they are well known for their wildlife. When its not such hurricane-like weather, you apparently can see penguins, sea-lions and seals. But we didn't get to see any of them unfortunately.

We drove through Invercargilll and spent a few hours in Dunedin bumping into previous hostel roommates and fellow Stray tour passengers.

We spent our last night on the spaceship in a little town called Ranfurly. A sweet little place which appeared to be totally deserted until we found the pub, everyone was in there for the rugby (crusaders vs highlanders) and happy hour. We felt it rude not to join them.

We were a little sad to say goodbye to the spaceship, which had been our home for 4 nights and 5 days. I was pleased that I wouldn't be having to drive the bloody thing anymore. It was an automatic and it was my first time driving one. Lets just say that once or maybe twice when stopping I went to find my non-existant clutch and both feet hit the brake pedal rather hard.