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Noy's 4th Walkabout
Last Thursday didn't see the wineries get a bashing after all - the sun came out so we decided to take the famous Queen Charlotte Drive (scenic) and were not disappointed. Every bend gave a new view of mountains running down to the sounds and we've just chosen a few shots for the album, they go on and on! Richard has broken the 1,000 barrier for photos taken so far, 3,000 by the time we get back at this rate - but NO ONE has to see them all! At the end of the drive we got to Havelock (World Capital of the Green-lipped Mussel!) and had 32 mussels between us, cooked a variety of ways - Yum (again!).
Friday saw the return of drab conditions as we briefly toured the shops of Picton before embarking on the ferry to the North Island, which was delayed because one of the sister ships had broken down (very encouraging!). The journey across took 3 uneventful hours and Wellington welcomed us with yet more rain! The evening was entertaining in so far as we found a Speight's Ale House to eat at. These are no ordinary pubs, having the highest level of cuisine and manly portions! The rugby (Highlanders vs Warratahs) was on the big screen and the atmosphere was great, as was the beer and food! Richard had the thrill of a Stagecoach MAN Bus ride to and from the campsite! Woken by the ducks in the morning (why DO so many sites have a resident herd of them?).
On Saturday we did the windy city (Wellington's nickname - and it lived up to it!). We walked and looked till our bodies ached and had an early dinner in an up-market wine bar in the city before catching the bus home - in the rain, of course. To be fair it didn't rain for most of the day, just cloud and wind!
Sunday brought more rain and our pictures of Wellington scarcely show it off, taken as they were between clouds, mist and drizzle. Mount Victoria provided some stunning views of the city but with rain clouds looming we left for a very wet journey north to Napier. We stopped short in Hastings and the photos show the Scandinavian influence on the architecture following the earthquake of 1931. Postcard from Napier will follow shortly Lots of love to you all and enjoy the Bank Holiday, we don't have one here! Richard & Jill (Mum & Dad - etc.) xx
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