The Shed That is Not A Shed

1369 Taire Mouth Road, Taire Mouth, Dunedin 

I am sitting in the window cove of The Shed, looking out over the river mouth and sea. The house, which is owned by Phil and Liz and Phil's family, is right on the point so has uninterrupted views of the water and the green-hedged hills beyond. It is very unshed-like, with fantastic accommodation including 4 bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, huge kitchen, a games room, and large verandah.

This is The Shed, photo taken from the beach

This is the view of the beach from the window cove in The Shed

Location of the Shed, about 40 mins from Dunedin

It is hard to believe we only arrived here yesterday (Tuesday) given what we've already done! It was about a 4 hour drive to get here - initially, lakes and mountains (closer to Queenstown),  then lush sheep farms and small country towns, and finally endless views of the sea and beaches (closer to Dunedin). We listened to one of the playlists we created in Peaceful Bay en route.

The Devils Staircase (drive out of Queenstown)

Farms along the way

Very large sculpted hedges in many of the paddocks - think they are wind protection for animals

On arrival we had a windy walk along the white beach with wisps of sand blowing sideways and mounds of seweed. Then too much wine,  an excellent persian meal cooked by Nas, and our book club discusssion - Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnigen - loved by Sue, Jonathon, Mark, Saeed, Nas and appreciated but not loved by myself, Liz, and Phil.  After that we sat around the fire pit, an old whaling pot, and Mark/ Phil played guitar, then we all went to bed quite knackered! 

Endless beach

Pink seaweed

Jonathan and Sue being romantic

Relaxing at the shed

Relaxing around the fire pit

This morning (Wednesday)  we got up early for us (830am) and went to Tunnel Beach, where wind has eroded sandstone rocks and created cool formations. It was quite a walk there and back, but the wind died down and the sun came out. Sue hooned on ahead whilst Mark and Phil straggled in last. Saeed gave us geoscientific explanations of the erosions. A fat old seal lay on the sand showing us how life should be lived.

Jonathan and Sue too far ahead to be in the picture

Nas and Sharon

The sea lion basking its back and flapping its flippers occassionally

Here they come, Phil and Mark

Next up was a boat ride up the river with Greg, Phil's older (and according to Phil adopted) brother. Lots of beautiful birds and a quick picnic - quick because Greg had to take his mother to the airport in the afternoon.  It felt a little reminiscent of the boat rides we did up north except green/grey rocks either side rather than orange. 

Sue and Mark

There was something significant about this but I've forgotten what now

A very large boat, fit us on all very comfortably

Our picnic

And now we're chilling before dinner. I just had a shower otherwise I'd be tempted to go for a swim because the blue water has come in and looks quite inviting, although from my previous paddle, the water is very cold!