hanmer springs has turned on a stunner of a day
after breakfast the gang head off downhill to the pools
no big plans for today - an opportunity for settling in
a long drive scheduled for tomorrow so let's take it easy
also a business needs to keep running so it is given attention
another fine meal laid out for late lunch and taken communally
a want to explore the hinterland leads us on a drive of discovery
following jollie's pass road up into (de) forestry roads and lands
the view admired but some feeling a bit uncomfortable in the solitude
so reverse steps and back to a prior spotted picnic area on the outskirts
pleasant 'nuff and suiting the gentle start to what should be a great trip
back at home base the re-acquainting continues with long discussions
sneak away and walk up hill to inspect the above average holiday homes
views across town to a stunning sunset making the walk very enjoyable
settle in for the night and up at it to load up the trailer and head east
a bit of back-tracking then on to a new route heading to kaikoura
easy as really - quiet and good roads, good vehicle, good company
the talking continues allowing guilt-free CD listening for the driver
driving around the coastline south of kaikoura is always a pleasure
crashing waves, deep-green sea and roads winding through tunnels
me - feeling quite proud of this first sight of the sea for our travellers
more treats in store at the seal colony - they are right there for viewing
we hit the local supermarket for lunch supplies and continue northwards
a picnic table commandeered from a paua diver and our lunch is served
smoked chicken, bread rolls, ginger beer - well enjoyed by all it seems
next stop - the store - kekerengu - a favourite and traditional stopover
looking good too - a makeover had with it seems less clutter and choice
we sit outside and enjoy our coffees all round before again pushing on
blenheim comes and goes as the threatened weather change is looming
the plan to head to picton and along queen charlotte drive is scuppered
grab some bags of cherries, point the vehicle west and head to nelson
havelock is first trawled for mussel sellers - nope - too late in the day
so push on we do - state highway 6 is a fun drive over and around hills
car sickness makes a visit as does passenger nervousness - arrival needed
soon enough we are cruising into nelson and directly to our book-a-bach
a restored historical cottage on haven road complete with a steep path up
all hands to the pump to lug all the required gear from trailer to the house
energy levels remain up as the communal meal is then prepared and taken
we've had 5 hours in the saddle and a few more at stopovers - satisfied
the weather forecast promising 3 days of sunshine around nelson
good - lots to see and do - our second digs will serve us well
