Day 75 - Just Some Rocks That Look Like Elephants Really

We attempted an early start to the day but were in no real rush as we knew we should easily make the drive down to Oamaru before any campsites closed. We set off at about 09:30 and decided to take Elly’s advice about visiting the container mall which is just outside the red zone (where you cannot enter) where the earthquake caused so much damage. We parked up and walked over to the mall which is exactly what it says it is – a mall made up of loads of metal storage containers like you would see on a cargo ship etc. It’s strange and eerie to look out from behind the fencing and see the deserted part of town which is reminiscent of ghost towns like you see in zombie films. After a look around some of the shops and at some of the empty streets we made our way back to the van.

We then began the drive, which turned out to be quite an easy one as whoever laid these roads must’ve known that you can get from A to B much quicker with less twists and turns in them – This person clearly wasn’t around for most of the roads here’s construction.

We didn’t really have anywhere we wanted to stop en-route and so just made straight for the campsite (We did stop for lunch in Timaru but that was a McDonalds and so we weren’t really supposed to mention it…) 

When we arrived and sorted out our things we then went straight out again to get some fuel and nip into Countdown for tea stuff. On the way back up we veered off and made a 45 min or so drive to Duntroon to see a whale fossil and also the Elephant Boulders whilst the weather was still nice. This was nice and gave our legs a chance to do what they’re here for before we had to get back in the van and blast back down to camp.

At the site we then attempted to sort out some travel stuff, and then we did some laundry, as it is free at this site, prior to cooking another mighty fine tea. We’d time the day’s events well as the heavens opened and hail, rain and wind were unleashed on the campsite late into the night.

Ooh, one more thing. Corrie had a Big Mac for the first time in her life today and her verdict – good.