Lori's Log: Spinach Fettuccine Anyone?

That is what I thought the kelp swaying in the waves looked like – a big boiling pot of spinach fettuccine.

Kelp, Curio Bay, New Zealand - Click for larger

Yes I actually took that picture above.

Kelp, Curio Bay, New Zealand - Click for larger

We were camped at Curio Bay in The Catlins on New Zealand’s South Island and had walked to the rocky shore to view the Petrified Forest and hopefully some yellow-eyed penguins that were known to come ashore there in the evening.

Petrified Forest, Curio Bay, New Zealand - Click for larger

At low tide you can see the fossilized remains of a Jurassic period forest. From a distance what looks like sculpted rock, on closer inspection shows the texture of the logs and stumps of what once were living trees. There was also a penguin on shore but unfortunately this is the time of year they are moulting which doesn’t make for very attractive pictures. During the moult they stand on shore or in the bush until their new feathers come in and they can return to the sea.

Yellow-eyed Penguin - Click for larger

There was a rope barricade to keep the many noisy spectators a safe distance away. If the penguin had been frightened and returned to the sea too early it would probably freeze to death without its new full feather tuxedo. We watched it preen or mostly just stand there. It was thrilling to see this endangered very rare penguin that is unique to New Zealand – even if in moult and at a distance. But Curio Bay and nearby Porpoise Bay are worthy photo subjects themselves!