Leaving Dunedin and into Gore

 

Another single night of accommodation, so it was a matter of packing everything up and leaving in good time.

Our first stop was the University. It's empty at the moment with no one around so we easily parked and went for a walk around. This was my first time there and it's an interesting campus that highlights the age of buildings and its gothic revival architecture. We had a good look around

Since we were near it we decided to take a drive down Castle Street to see 660. We did, and we weren't the only ones clicking photos.

We then made our was into town, and the one way street making havoc with parking. A small amount of yelling later we found a part and made our way up to the Octagon. I have never quite understood the statue to Robbie Burns and why that was so needed in a new city so far from home, but it was.

 

We spied St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral also in the centre of town. It is stunning with incredible windows.

The next stop was the Railway building and we enjoyed the art space above.

We finally made it to Toitu museum. It's a very awesome museum, spectacularly presented with quality and interesting exhibits. We made our way to the basement and tried our hand at ancestor research but the search was frustrating. The best and obvious results came from a website easily accessed at home. So we gave up. We did all giggle at an octagonal desk that was once at the BNZ in town.

Just as we were leaving we found messages about leaving my oven mitt behind, so it was back to accommodation and then hot foot it to Balclutha so we would get to the cafe before closing time. While waiting for yet more gf toasties, the boys headed to Sterling Sport clearance store and purchased important things. We also popped into the neighbouring op shop.

We finally limped into Gore at about 5pm. We settled for a bit and then headed up the hill to have an incredibly lovely, lovely visit with my Aunty Margaret and cousins. Hours of conversation and catching up, it was great. We were given many Gore recommendations, driving route directions and tips of what to do on Stewart Island.