day 4 of the south island expedition and a cracker day in nelson
first stop - saturday markets smack bang in the centre of the city
impressive too - local arts and crafts, fruit, vegetables, clothing, etc
surprisingly light in patrons but that's good for us - we wander easily
soaps in the shape of cakes a favourite as is a world music cd seller
the blue cheese and black garlic combination has limited appeal
one of our chinese visitors liking it but her stomach not so happy
a promotion for the universal climate change march is spotted
suggesting large crowds will be at tahunanui beach - not here
should be there - a fleeting guilt trip before we then drive out
down highway 6, hang a right pass rabbit island and to mapua
the impression of a town wanting to become a tourist destination
a new retail precinct under construction behind the historical wharf
that hosting a cafe offering a coffee/snack (taken) and views to the island
a ferry trip contemplated but a want to push further north (west) stymies that
there's a focus on art/decor here and a rewarding visit to a metal sculpture shop
forest fusion - walking through the front doors and an instant - oh yes - feeling
a spartan display of works but very impressive they are - nature as metalwork
most striking is a revolving set of metallic petals on a tall stem - wind-blown
$1650 - if i was a rich man - thanks theodore bickell (rip) - but - moving on
that has made the day already so piling back into the vehicle quite content
next stop - the wee organic shop - nice idea but pretty underwhelming
a small bag of goji berries procurred and off we go - cruising is good
the ruby coast certainly worth more-time some-time - we push on
a stop at the award-winning jester's cafe to feed the eels is next
agreement had - overfed eels - but good to see them close-up
motueka comes and goes and soon enough kaiteriteri is ours
this time - little kaiteriteri - lunch and then on to the beach
bewdiful and fully inviting so the first swim of summer it is
lots of photos taken and the time taken to soak up the moment
feeling confident on this glorious day so we agree to keep at it
it's a long haul up over the hill to golden bay and on to takaka
nearly there - a few more kilometres and we are at our destination
te wakkoropupu springs - one of the wonders of the natural world
the purest water delivered up from below ground to form a river
indescribably moving - aman iman comes to mind - water is life
it needs to be fully appreciated - and it is - worth the round trip
return back up and over the hill and a non-stop journey to home
dinner shanghai style server up again before an evening walk
we stumble across the boat shed cafe and take up a table
tirimasu and coffee please - nice too - we'll be back
wander home and an early night - a glorious day...
