Volcano

Otago Harbour and the Otago Peninsula are volcanic formations and Harbour Cone is the remnant of an extinct volcano. Harbour Cone rises 315 m above sea level and provides some spectacular views.  On Saturday it provided another tramping opportunity and Molly and I again went with the Duke of Edinburgh club.  This time, however, the skies were clear and the air was warm.  

This is the ruin of an old farm house or, more likely, a shepherd's cottage.  The nook in the center was a fireplace.

Columba College's Duke of Edinburgh club makes for the top.  In the low center is Natalie (from Hong Kong) doing her Julie Andrews impersonation.

Otago Harbour and Broad Bay from the top of Harbour Cone.

Old, weathered tree.  I just liked it.

The Highcliff Road is one of the main roads on the Peninsula.  Two cars can pass by each other as long as the occupants take a deep breath and hold it.  Bring the Dramamine. 

The trail leading up to Harbour Cone is called the Bacon Trail.  It starts at the end of Bacon Street in Broad Bay.

Of course, if you stand atop Harbour Cone and look in the opposite direction from Otago Harbour, there is that lesser known body of water, the Pacific Ocean.   If you maximize the photo, look about 5/8 to the left side, and squint you can just make out the edge of the earth.

Although I was full of a rotten cold, this was a particularly good day.  As you walk up (or down) the steep incline that is the Bacon Trail, you have to cross Highcliff Road just below the ruins.  I sat on a little bench there for several minutes and enjoyed the sun, peace, and quiet.  This really is a wonderful place.