Hello everyone,

We have had a lovely chill out day today at the above bay and we are now off for a meal and wine, of course.

We had early start from Wellington to Picton. Arrived at the site and decided to take a boat tour of Queen Charlotte Sound in the early evening. It was just lovely and was complemented by a glass of local wine and salmon canapes. We then had an early start next day to get down to Kaikoura for 10 a.m. sailing for the whale watching. Guess what - it was cancelled due to a heavy swell, so we went to see the seals instead. Luckily we managed to get on the boat at 7 a.m. next day and were successful in seeing two whales and lots of dolphins.

Another long journey back up to Nelson, through Blenheim, but unfortunately were not able to contact Maree's mum for a cuppa. Lovely journey through valleys, etc. to Nelson and we have had two nights here. Off to a meal now, and then another 4 hour journey tomorrow to Greymouth. Everyone keeps saying why are we going there? Still, there are plenty of things to see on the way.

Ann & Brian: Have tried to contact Jane but so far, no success.

Hope everyone else is o.k. Sarah: did you know that mum was in the Adelaide for a few days recouperating? I tried to text you last night to tell you but I don't think the message got through. If you go and see her, give her our best wishes and hopes she makes a quick recovery so that she's well enough to celebrate her 95th birthday when we get home! Hope Pheobe is now back to good health.

Norton: John says he is sending a container load of 135's back over to the U.K. in the next few days! Jess: Didn't get to see the worms!

That's all for now. Take care.

Incidentally, we were talking to a lady on the beach today and she said this summer has been the best so far for a while. It rained a lot last year. Aren't we lucky!?

From the Explorers