We've been off line for a couple of days. Either there is no wifi or it costs and then the bandwidth is very poor. However, as you can probably tell from the title, we have been busy! Yesterday we were up early, early for the ferry to the South Island and we caught a taxi down only to find the ferry was a bit late. The loading was quite unique as they have designated drivers to move the tandem trucks on and off the ferry from several levels. A local told me that this ferry service was started by the agricultural community when the original ferry service made the unpopular decision to ban livestock transfers. So the farmers went out and purchased several Spanish ferries to move their animals, the locals and a few tourists too! There's your sunrise...
As we hit the open sea the swells made their presence known and the reefs waved a fond fair well...no luck this day gents! They have taken a number of ships over the years and there were some pretty good photos in Wellington's museum.
I must admit I fell asleep for the open water crossing. Hey, it was early! But I managed to wake up as we entered the 45 minute channel journey down to Picton. It was scenic...cold wind, but very scenic.
Picton...
It takes about half an hour to clear the natural harbour and its a pretty cool departure...
Complete with rookeries.
Where we were met by a rep who had the keys to our caravan waiting for us. She's seen a few miles, but with a stick and a rebuilt engine she seems to be in running order. Yup, not high end, but it's home for eight days and it's wider than a Westie, which means that we can both sleep very comfortably on the same level. We've decided to nickname it "Huia" while we are its keepers. Huia is an amazing blue and orange NZ bird that unfortunately became extinct at the turn of the last century over 100 years ago! We learned all about today at a certified organic winery that has named its vintages and offerings in its honour. Could we do less? Here's Huia...it has head room, lots of storage, a big table. Almost like a sail boat on wheels? Actually, that's exactly what it is. If I can just figure out how to reef the top when we are driving in heavy wind! 
This is our camp site for two nights where the ducks adopt you and the clear stream behind us is home to three very large fresh water eels. Last night it was exceptionally clear and very dark in our rural local, and finally all the stars were dancing! It was an amazing show with the Southern Cross dazzling! I have waited since 1976 to see this sight...well worth the wait!
Today we went and found propane for the empty tank we were left with...cooked in the kitchen on the camp ground last night. This (finding the propane, LPG) proved surprisingly difficult, but in the end we managed. Had a great breakfast in a small cafe that was actually reasonably priced and then it was off for a long walk in the heat. You'll be forgiven for thinking that this looks like Spain. I was thinking the same.
Complete with flowers...And even an arryo for the wet season!
Then it was off to taste some excellent wines and we stocked up the cellar for the trip south with some great Sav Blancs and Pinot Gris. Yes Carol, we have found better Sav Blancs and I will reply in a separate email. Sav Blanc is the regional specialty and they do a very nice job of it too! Yum!! I have a few new names and apparently they are sold in Canada so I will be looking on our return.
Now waiting for a nice white wine to go with a brilliant salmon dinner tonight. So must post this and run because we have dinner guests coming! Just snapped this out the door! They follow us to the trash can and get really pushy at happy hour! 
We are off to Nelson tomorrow and then to the Able Tasman area to tramp about for a couple of days...unless our plans change as we have no real plans...just ideas;-)
3 comments:
Mallards--a transglobal bird?
Hello Geoff and Annemarie I guess if you are "down under" we are "up above" or is that how it works when you are in New Zealand?Enjoyed your travel pictures of the last couple of days and thought that Wellington had many similarities to Victoria. Looked like a nice place to live. Weather here has been sunny and bright for almost a week with temperatures in the 10 - 12 range. Our lawn is growing by leaps and bounds - so are the weeds!! Your van looks very suitable for the purpose intended - sorry about the dry propane tank - and I think you could make a complaint on that one as it is an essential ingredient to make breakfast on the first morning of travels ..... !!! Humbug !!!
Caitlin should be on her way back to Vancouver today. Kathy is coming to Victoria later this afternoon. Keep an eye on the ducks. Cheers ... Dad
Good Afternoon the travelers down under!!Grey skies today with promise of sunshine the next few days. The crocuses are blooming plus many flowering trees, see things are pretty nice here, however I see that you are enjoying NZ and all it has to offer. The colours are so bright blue skies and water. Does it really look like that or is it your camera doing such a good job? How wonderful to finally be able to see the Southern Cross I imagine with the dark skies it must be really startling. You will likely see it many times while down under. Your pictures and descriptions are so enjoyable that I hope you will find WiFi everywhere along the way as I miss you both and it helps to read your blog most days. Love your van. Please drive safely and take care of each other. Do you have to take the ducks with you? Love Mom
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