we're off to see the penguins

july 15.heading to oamaru and the yelloweyed penguins.... and parially yellow heads.. on way stopped at mariaki.. to see big stone balls.. with yellowish streaks.. running thru them.. about 4 ft. wide and 4 ft high.. it is said they are spiritual for maoris.. said they did not fall from sky or sound on sea floor.. instead they were underground and erosion exposed them.. there was one half sticking out of of the sandy hill next to beach.. out of the cliff and rolled down to the beach...we had heard that oamaru was worth a top, so we did... stopped at info center there and saw a movie about the towns early days, gold rush time.. city had port.. not trees so buildings made with abundant limestone.. beautiful big hotels, museums, banks with greek styling.. wide street so goods brought in from shipping got delivered down middle of street and turn around.. city got rich then railroads came in and took away alot of shipping business...
found empire backpackers.. right next tomuseum.. old hotel ...looked like cowboy hotel in 1880's.. went straight to museum.. small nice painting by artists who went to a nearby boys school and made it in art world.. exhibition by a guy living there of the bldgs. in town during 70's 80's... then walked around.. vibrant town.. saw old lady who walked faster than her grandson... all the elders seemed happy.. smiling, laughing,,, aliens... lots of cafes, tea room, pub, movie theater.. operatic group... theater, badminton club, rowing club, vintage clothing.. good stuff .. costume making store, beads, chinese garden, japanese.. old section of town.. grain bldg.. radio station playing teresa brewer.. side by side... found myself singing with her.. ha.. a fellow dressed in kilt.. theater clothing i think.
headed up hill out of town but still in oamaru to see yellow eyed penguins. it was cold. windy,, met couple who knew alot about it.. saw 2 penguins come up the path right next to us.. fb had camer.. couldnt get it out of zipped super duper camping pocket.. ha... it was like high noon.. couldnt get the gun out and make the draw.... penguins win.. however we did get a shot as the little guys headed into bush for the evening... they swim 25 miles out to sea.. head back and get home about 4pm til dark. straggling in.. some in pairs.. if one it looks for his or her mate and waits...
back to room.. sark haird guy there too.. saw him at rocks and penguins.. introduced himself as michael.. hitching around nz... going to university soon... he was cooking authentic meal.. viggies in tomatoes or tomato sauce..garlic.. and his dropped eggs into it.. covered.. til you almost all cooked.. like a fried egg... then took pieces of italian bread and dipped it.. we had a bite.. poor fb... went for it like moth to flame and burnt his mouth.. he's one hot gramps..