Of a Road Trip - Part Six

So - update time.The last evening in Wanaka was uneventful. Caught up with Morgan (met through Twitter) over a drink which was really great. I had no room-mates allocated with me which meant I slept well but kind of missed the ‘guess who’s staying in my room’ game.The plan for the day was to drive through to Dunedin. Again, I didn’t stop much as I just loved being on the road. I did however stop to see the Clyde Dam.Actually, part of the reason I stopped was to hide from an unmarked car that I was pretty sure pinged me for speeding. After seeing no enforcers-of-the-law for the previous week, I was caught by surprise a little. On the plus side: no flashing lights, no ticket, no demerits, no reduction of money!The drive through to Dunedin was beautiful. I loved the fields of rocks and stone around Alexandra. Just spectacular landscape.I decided to stay in Dunedin as I’d been assured that the drive from Dunedin to Picton in one day was do-able. It was, as it turned out.I stayed with a friend and her daughter. I hadn’t seen her in over twenty years. We had much to catch up on. I really enjoyed talking into the night and reminiscing. Doing the whole “whatever happened to...?” thing. It was magical.The following day I explored a little of Dunedin, the highlight being a visit to Larnach Castle. Saw Baldwin St (yes, I drove up. I am not that hard yet!), the Railway Station and Cadbury World!(this is the hat you have to wear for the Cadbury World tour. Thank God I don't have a beard. THAT guy looked ridiculous).I think Auckland should get a castle. It would be cool. But it needs to have secret passages. Now, when I'm Mayor...Another evening of entertainment from Miss 8 - she performed a dramatic piece entitled ‘senses’. It co-starred Pooh Bear and was much fun! I love the minds of kids. They come up with amazing ideas and have no shame in presenting them.The next day I drove. All the way from Dunedin to Picton. I had to stop for the fatality on SH1 at Moeraki (the highway was closed from 5am to 9am). I decided against seeing the boulders as I have seen them before a couple of times.Oamaru was a nice brief stop. I had to visit the Whitestone Cheese factory and cafe. I adore their Blues and got to sample some other varieties I’d not tasted before.Then North to Riverstone Kitchen. It’s an odd little arrangement. A stunning gift shop, a flower and mirror shop and the Kitchen set up on a dairy farm. These guys won the Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year in 2010, and judging from the coffee and the spaghetti I had, they totally deserve it. I was hugely impressed. It was nice to share the experience with Camille from Bezzera Coffee Machines.After that, not a lot happened. I noticed that Law Enforcement is over-represented on the East Coast SH1. I also noticed that other drivers have a complete lack of awareness. And never pull over and let you pass if they're travelling 20-30 Km/h less than the speed limit. Bastards.10:15hrs later I arrived into Picton. Found myself a dorm room to sleep in and went for a little wander around town.Friday saw me on the Aratere ferry on the way to Wellington. I’m staying with another old friend. He has a dog called Nacho.Today, I’m feeling a little subdued as my trip is coming to a close. It’s been amazing but I don’t particularly want it to end.- Simon