On the way to Fjordland

Hiking again today....car hiking....I will follow the Southern Scenic Route to the northwest, towards Milford Sound. But first, I will go back to Invercargill and get some souvenirs from the local tool dealer, E Hayes. The city is full of motorcyclists, their bikes are parked everywhere. The biggest disaster would be to knock over a whole row of Harleys while backing out...definitely an ugly end. So I check behind the car before I back out....After 20 km, the route finally reaches the sea at Riverton. I watch some surfers, then I sit at a section of beach and watch a big log being lifted by the waves but not getting away from the beach. Finally, the SH 99 turns almost at right angles away from the sea, you can't follow the coast any further. In Cliften, I stop at the old wooden bridge, at Lake Monowai I drive 10 km on gravel to then hike 20 minutes to a lookout point. Here I miss a kayak again, the lake is so invitingly beautiful....I continue rolling westwards at 2000 RPM through a beautiful landscape, blue sky, Dire Straits on the radio and a coffee in my hand....Isn't that awesome???!!! In Manapouri, I find a cute campsite, an older couple keeps it in top shape. Tomorrow I will see if I can spontaneously go on a boat tour.