We took an Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton which takes us across the Cook Strait from the North Island to the South Island. We had a quick bus connection so I decided to grab a salad on the ferry to eat en route. They had stainless steel silverware so I asked for some takeaway utensils. They only had chopsticks. Hmmm. I’ll give it a go.
While on the InterCity bus to Nelson, I saw a sign that said: Cemetery and underneath the sign, it said: No Exit. That cracked me up. In our country, it would be even more funny: Dead End.
New Zealand’s version of the dollar store. Apparently it takes $2 in New Zealand to buy the same worthless stuff that Americans buy for a dollar. That’s the exchange rate for you.This is a beautiful Anglican Cathedral in Nelson. It is very quiet, inviting, and is open every day – a place of reflection. In the USA the doors of most churches are locked due to the threat of vandalism.Hanging plants were all along the streets. We saw water dripping onto the sidewalk. Had someone just been by to water them? Then we discovered there are hoses in the eaves of the awnings to deliver timed waterings. Walkers beware!
The following day, we took the Better Bus from Nelson to Marahau. Rob has planned a full day of outdoor fun: a morning kayak to Observation Beach and an afternoon hike back to catch the Better Bus that will take us back to Nelson.
I started the day very optimistic. Our kayaking instructor was very good and the equipment was far better than other kayaks. I had been kayaking before with Rob in Virginia Beach. We struggled to stay with the group, and it was very uncomfortable. We both agreed, “Let’s not do that again.” But this was SEA kayaking in New Zealand so we are going to give it a go.
Rob is decked out in his skirt. (It is supposed to keep him dry.)Tractors bring our kayaks to the water’s edge. Also they launch Aqua Taxis.All smiles as we start our trip.Here is the view.When we put our hands in the water, we are hit with these little harmless transparent creatures called salp that look like pomegranate seeds. That little dot is the digestive system. They are only here for about two weeks feeding on plankton. Then they wash up on shore and apparently stink it up.
Rob and I again were the slowest duo. At a rest stop, our instructor suggested that Rob and I split up and pair us up with the “Olympian” kayakers. YES, PLEASE. Let’s give it a go!
However, my excitement was short-lived as my new partner would dig in so hard that it would rock the boat from side to side.
Well, I found out that I didn’t like sea kayaking either with the added bonus of getting seasick.
“Let’s not do that again,” and Rob agrees.
We disembarked from our kayaks at Observation Beach. “Would you care for some tea and biscuits (cookies)?” It amazes me that they always make time for tea no matter how inconvenient it might be. Next we are pointed in the right direction to start our hike back.Rob told me that it would be along the beach so I just took my sandals. He was WRONG. We climbed up 40 stories, at least that’s what it felt like. Then we wound our way down the mountain path for 3 hours. We never passed anyone but many hikers passed us ……probably because I would stop to see cool things like these chirping cicadas, one of the coolest insects ever……and this shadow made by the fern……or listen to a babbling brook. But maybe it was because we were the oldest and slowest on the trail!!
We caught that Better Bus and were so tired. Our dogs were barking, our leg muscles cramping and arms aching … and we arrived at our luxury hotel. My sweet husband has booked a room with a Jacuzzi. BLESS HIS HEART.
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