63 and free

Drumheller, a massive dirt dam and a herd of elephants.

The drive from Comwell to Oamaru today had a dizzying variety of geology, topography and environments. At times it was hard to believe we were actually in New Zealand!

After a drive through a barren mountain pass that obviously requires chains in the winter (the Lindis Pass), we dropped into an unnamed dessert. It felt like the Sonoran desert! Heading to Phoenix!

There actually is a highway down there…

First stop were the “Clay Cliffs”, or as Bernie accurately labelled it, “The Badlands on steroids”.

Yup. This is in New Zealand. 😳

Then it was off to the Benmore hydroelectric earth dam, which is the largest in New Zealand (56% of electrical generation here is from hydro). Impressive!

It blends in well with the background.
The penstocks are kinda big.
Now I gotta find out what ‘prestressed concrete’ is.
A slight difference in the elevation of the lakes on either side of the dam.

Last stop was to see a herd of elephants:

The one on the left is kinda freaky…
Isn’t geology cool?

David and Bernadette Harris

6 responses to “Drumheller, a massive dirt dam and a herd of elephants.”

  1. Gwen Avatar
    Gwen

    OK. Geology is a little bit cool.

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    1. David and Bernadette Harris Avatar
      David and Bernadette Harris

      Lol. I hope that admission didn’t hurt too much.

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      1. Gwen Avatar
        Gwen

        A little, but Physios are tough. We can take it.

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      2. David and Bernadette Harris Avatar
        David and Bernadette Harris

        True story. 😏

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  2. Granddad Avatar
    Granddad

    Super array of stunning NZ pictures – thanks!

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    1. David and Bernadette Harris Avatar
      David and Bernadette Harris

      Most welcome Dad. We saw quite a stunning array of vistas yesterday! 😎

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