The Catlins, New Zealand
One of the best things about being in Dunedin is that the Catlins is not far away. Last weekend Dave and I took my landlord’s dog out for a drive and headed there for the night. We crashed at Kaka Point, and then met a sea lion the next day in Cannibal Bay. Here’s an attempt at showing why I love the place.
The drive down from Dunedin is gorgeous…
And made all the more exciting when the car is being driven by some amalgamation of half-man, half-dog.
After about an hour we arrived at Kaka Point, which is just over the border into Catlins territory. We’re in Southland now. Dubbie gets down with the water in an instant.
Sometimes I think this is the place that people pretend dogs go when they die. My dogs spent their whole life in the suburbs of Chicago, I wonder if this one knows how good she’s got it.
Too bad she got too drunk to stay awake that night to watch the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup final. Dubbie, you’re a mess. But we love you anyway.
The next day we headed a bit further down the coast to do some exploring and ended up at Cannibal Bay.
Behold! In the distance, a sea lion! 
Dubbie sees it. She gets leashed. The sea lion could take her easily. 
What seems like could turn into an encounter when the dog dares to bark… 
Is quickly dissipated by the sea lion deciding to scratch himself instead. He’s just like Dubbie!
We just stood there for ages, watching the sea lion march out to sea, and the flop into the water to rest every couple steps. 
‘Man! That was exhausting.’ 
Plop. This went on for ages. Until the tide comes in at last!
Oh hurro! My plan was a success. 
‘Well, this was fun, but the sea is calling me. Au revoir, sand dwellers!’ 
Then we ran into a little lamb in the middle of the road on the way back. 
Oh how I love the Catlins, yes.
