CATLINS: HOW I CHASED SHEEP

Murray is 75 years old, writes books, is very good with computers... and, in particular, likes people. That is why he is on couchsurfing, where mum met him for the first time when she was travelling in New Zealand two years ago. Murray lives and works on John´s farm and there we went to stay when dad left for his first work trip to mountains.

We set off in the morning and it took us almost 7 hours to get from our village to the farm. It is 25 kilometres from Owaka, the “capital” of beautiful Catlins on the south coast of the South Island. First: it is far (but not that far). Second: the road is windy and sometimes unsealed (especially the last part). Third: I was not behaving (ooops).

When we finally got to Murray´s place there were already two German guys staying. They were the first ones of many people we got to meet the following days – farewell to our lives of loners for a bit! Then Murray came back from work and I have fallen in love with him straight away: such a friendly granddad, all smiles and always ready with a new story from his super interesting life.

The next days we were busy exploring the farm and Catlins – mum wanted to show me places where she liked it and also where she hasn´t been before. Curio Bay and yellow-eyed penguins fell into the first category. Unfortunately we didn´t get there – there was a bridge under repair and a long detour so mum gave up and I have never got to see those funny clumsy guys coming ashore at dusk. We went for a short walk to McLean Falls instead and on the way back stopped for lunch on the white beach at Tautuku Bay. It was my first real encounter with sand and it was so amazing that I could not stop sinking my hands into it and stuffing it into my mouth.

Among the places undiscovered was Cannibal Bay – a long stretch of the sandy beach not far from Owaka, where sea lions live. Huge stinky creatures lying about, fat and lazy. But lazy, sleepy and ponderous they are only until you come too close. Then they suddenly become very agile. Yes, we ran away and I have to say that I was impressed with how fast mum can be when she wants. And yes, she did take some good pictures.

Tom is John´s son who plays the guitar and the drums, has his own band and overall is super nice. One day he and Murray needed hand with moving sheep from one paddock to another, so I volunteered. With mum I jumped on a quad and was driving shouting “Go away, you sheep!”. It was good fun.

And then Murray´s son Brandon and his partner, who live in Australia, came to visit and the house was full again. Full of good stories and yummy food everybody was cooking (mum joined as well, maybe not so yummy then?).

A few walks and some nice coffees in a local cafe later it came time to pack all my toys and set off for a journey back to Mount Cook. A little bit sad – I got used to Murray -, but pretty exciting at the same time: I will get to see daddy again, yay!

Your Annie

Some facts

When: 8. – 16. 2. 2017 Where: Catlins, Owaka Valley Road (New Zealand) How: car (quad :-))

How long: 7 hr. How far: 404*2 = 808 km