The Mossburn Railway Hotel was the start of Section N
	I've been passing sheep in paddocks all along, and one reader noted the lack of photos. The sheep are shy and run far away when I pass, so I would need a telephoto lens (or a sheep costume like the wolf). Here is a typical shot with wide-angle lens.
	Here, I used a high-resolution shot and did a virtual zoom on the computer.
	Deer are also farmed in paddocks with increasing popularity (but they must not like being out in the open)
	Dairying has improved the economy of "Southland" in recent years. Many small dairy farmers gain international market clout through the giant Fonterra cooperative.
	The Globe Hotel and Backpackers in Riverton, built in the 1870s. Some of the original building is still part of the structure. The owners, Joy and Bruce, were wonderful hosts.
	Early morning of the second-to-last day of trek, I start from Riverton and reach Foveaux Strait, the ocean at the very bottom of South Island. Still some walking to Bluff, but I felt right here like I had already "hit the bottom."
	A backward glance at Riverton along the beach
	Bluff becomes visible for the first time while walking the beach along Foveaux Strait from Riverton. After previous days of high winds, freezing temperatures, rain, and hail, the day's walk along the beach was very pleasant.
	An experiment at self-portrait with camera held at arm's length. Even though it was sunny, it was still cold, with temperatures in the morning around 5C (41F)
	There was interesting red seaweed on the beach of a kind I had never seen before
	Last day of the trek...leaving the city of Invercargill to head down Highway 1 to Bluff
	Walking Highway 1 with Bluff coming into close view (center of photo). The highway was busy with trucks. I didn't realize Bluff was an industrial port!
	Walking the Foveaux Walkway overlooking the sea southward with Geoff, Miriam, and Tomo. In this direction, after Stewart Island, the next land is Antarctica!
	Rounding Bluff on the Foveaux Walkway just a few minutes from the finish....
	...and that's it! Stirling Point is considered "lands end" in New Zealand and the signpost with directional arrows to major cities around the world is a national icon. Reaching the sign, my final words: "I think that's enough walking for awhile."
	Thanks to Geoff, Miriam, and Tomo for being with me this day. Time to celebrate!
	Finally, thanks to all the internet cafes along the way for being there (pictured here: iForce internet cafe in Christchurch)

Page updated April 10, 2004