Giant Sea Lions

September 19th  -  Sandfly Bay.

 This gorgeous bay is backed by deep sand dunes on the southern coastline of Otago Peninsula. 
This trip we got to view our first Giant Sea Lions. 

*This Track begins Seal Point Road car park off Highcliff Road about 7km from Anderson's Bay, Dunedin

View from the top of the Hike. Notice the ball? Yes, our children are stoked on Rugby now. They both got mouth guards this week and have been practicing side throwing and tackling eachother at our nearby park.
(Although Ellie's age group is "touch" rugby)
We are so pleased that they want to try out this classic Kiwi Sport.

Safe distance of 20 meters when walking past sleeping  Sea Lions. The beach and the dunes are also haul-outs for New Zealand sea lions. These are large animals (300kg) and they are not at all afraid of humans. Be very wary of them!

These two were cuddling and fun to watch interact

We all thought that the Sea Lions looked so cute

John and Alex walking toward a sleeping Sea Lion

This guy was huge!

We are looking forward to coming back in the evening to view the Yellow-eyed penguins surfing in on their belly's. We are planning to bring my cousin Joel and his wife Becca here next week to check out the "Penguin hideaway" available for viewing in the morning and evening. 

 

Ellie thought that this Sea Lion was a girl.

These Sea Lions make sounds called "barking" but it is more like a Grizzly Bear Growling sound. Very Impressive!

Alex and Ellie

The waves have the same impact on us that a campfire has - they are so hypnotic to watch.

Mama Jen with her bandaged hand with kids.

The kids worked on their Gymnastic Skills in the sand.

Ellie going big!

The kids going tandem.

Check out that White Sand - Simply Gorgeous!

Kiwi children call their mommy's "mum" and Dad is spelled "dab"  (cute technical error)