Month: February 2024

Happy memories

St Clair was buzzing from early this morning. At 6.30am the lights were still on along the Esplanade, and people were jogging, walking dogs, and venturing into the sea to swim and surf.

We packed, ready to depart, feeling a little sad about leaving. Dunedin seems a lively place, down-to-earth, down-at-heel in places, quirky and interesting, and surrounded by astounding beauty.

Looking towards the harbour from Taiaroa Heads

Friends I visited yesterday have an awesome antique French wardrobe-chest of drawers combination which only fitted into their house because it breaks down into seven pieces. It fills a whole wall of the bedroom and suits their lovely home.

Many of the houses in Dunedin are attractive old brick bungalows often in art deco and arts and crafts style. ‘Old and cold,’ said my practical niece. True, probably, but nice to look at.

My brother-in-law drew my attention to gulls each sitting on a post along a fence at the Royal Albatross Centre. This is one of my favourite photos from our trip.

On the wall in our hotel is this print which seems ‘very St Clair’ to me.

As we drove out of town we saw people gathering in Queen’s Gardens (ironically – or appropriately, depending on your point of view) to celebrate Waitangi Day. It would have been good to stop and join them. But, once you’re on the road there’s a compulsion to follow it home.

Later, at home, I sat in the egg chair and thought perhaps I could pretend that the sound of distant traffic is the sea.

Summer at St Clair

Another beautiful day by the beach began with breakfast on the balcony, then a walk on the beach.

Surfers were out
A seal was resting
Patterns in the sand
Poetry on some steps
Dunedin is a UNESCO city of literature

Then, back to the balcony with sandy feet.

A drive past the bays on the peninsula was sublime on this gorgeous day. Taiaroa Head and the Royal Albatross Centre was a marvel, with nesting albatross visible on the hillsides and, suddenly, the appearance of albatrosses gliding across the sky. They were hard to photograph, but I did snap horned brown merino sheep under a pōhutukawa.

Later, I caught up with friends – with chooks.

A barbecue completed another perfect day with the newlyweds and family, four dogs and a cat.

Cool on the deck
‘This was how our first dance was meant to go!‘
Barbecue and bath time
Adults like to play kids’ games too!

A perfect day

First there was a post-wedding barbecue in an idyllic setting with rustic features.

MC and uncle Dan with wee Lachlan
Will keeps cool in sun hat and sunglasses
Liz and sleepy Lachlan
Charlie resting on my feet after an arduous day as ring bearer

Next we visited Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.

Late afternoon and it was time for cheese and crackers and elderflower cordial on the balcony overlooking the buzz of St Clair Esplanade.

We finished with a risotto dinner at Salt. This restaurant/bar was formerly an art deco house.

It was busy when we arrived but better later for a photo

Bright, sparkly day

It’s another beautiful day at St Clair. Young surfers are heading out.

Yesterday’s wedding was a bright, sparkly celebration too, full of collective warmth and love.

There was thoughtful organisation, nice touches, a beautiful setting and dancing.

Some things caught my eye:

A niece’s spiky crocs
Classic car next to my car
A photo-bombing nephew
Bling on a niece’s phone

Photos were taken of every family and friend combination and the bridal party had photos on the beach. As the sun set, bride and groom had photos on a tussocky hillside where sheep were grazing.

Formalities over, the dancing began to a band playing songs we all knew. Even our most elegant 95 year old was dancing to the beat!

A wild change

Six hours after leaving home, Mum and I relaxing with this view.

A surfing school is in action in this photo. There are people walking and jogging and dog- walking; there is lots to see.

The sound of the sea and the crashing waves will lull us to sleep tonight.