Oamaru, South New Zealand

This small town runs along the main road that winds along the perimeter of the island. I had chosen it as an overnight stop not knowing the Blue Penguin Colony was right around the corner from my accommodations. I had arrived at the perfect time during the evening to head over to the facility and inquire. I was told that no pictures or camera’s were permitted so as to not disturb the natural habitat.

At first I was bothered because I wanted to capture some cool photos and told the person I was talking to I would think about it. As I walked away I thought about it more and realized what a dick head I was. Who really cares about the pictures when you have this amazing opportunity to watch nature with my own eyes, undisturbed by an electronic device. My travels are always based on the Go With the Flow agenda and here I was stopping myself from supporting a great organization and the attitude I live by.

I turned around, paid the fee and plopped by butt in a seat to witness wild blue penguin’s emerge from the shores, hop up the rocks and waddle their way to the comfort of the burrows. There was some cuddling, a few bumping of chests for these territorial birds and sweet love making. Let nature take its course without human interference. Sometimes it’s best to let your own eye capture a moment instead of a mechanical eye. Believe me when I say it made me warm and fuzzy inside.