A collection of recollections - from Julie

We departed Palmerston North on the 6^th March to a beautiful sunrise; a fitting farewell for our adventure. This was to be our first experience on the Ferry with a caravan. The Ferry crossing was the longest ever; seven hours sightseeing in Queen Charlotte Sounds due to a damaged wharf in Picton. But to be honest we weren’t in any hurry, so we relaxed and enjoyed the ride. They ran out of hot water after offering free tea and coffee; so in the end they provided free hot chips. Nice gesture. But the story had a happy ending, we were the third vehicle off the Ferry in Picton… oh yes, third off the Ferry, after all the years of being last and last, did I say last…. It was a great feeling, almost euphoric. 

First stop was Blenheim Top Ten.  It’s a lovely camping site under the bridge. It reminded us of the story we used to read to our children, “under the bridge over the dam, looking for berries, berries for jam” (Jamberry by Bruce Degen).  It’s close to town and directly opposite Old Renwick Road that takes you to some of the best wineries in Marlborough.



There is always time for a cuppa!

The highlight of Blenheim was a visit to our favourite winery: Wairau River Estate, about 32 km return, which we did on our bikes. Had a lovely lunch, plenty of Vitamin D and reminded ourselves how much we enjoy their 2012 Viognier; it tastes like the best summer ever, with fruity, crisp flavours. A sweeter wine, it is perfect with a lunch of cheeses, breads, fruit and relishes, followed by pav with lashings of passion fruit and coconut, and brulee with stewed plums…divine…delicious…delectable. I am sure you can work out who had what.



Lashings of Passion Fruit and Coconut



Everyone's a Philosopher!

Kaikoura was out next stop.  We set up camp at Boat Harbour, part of the Goose Bay coast line, about 18 km south of Kaikoura. We camped just metres away from the water, with a tree framed view of the sea, a little shingle beach and rock pools. It was breath taking. The area holds special memories for me, as I had camped here with my parents as a teenager.



 Red Billed Gull

The bird life was prolific, with Bell Birds and Fantails in the tree beside us. I saw my first black Fantail. Fantails have a black phase which only occurrs in the South Island. I also spotted, Pied Shags, Black Back Gulls, Red and Black Billed Gulls, Terns, Oyster Catchers, and a Reef Heron. On our walk of the Fyffe-Palmer track, I spotted a Tomtit. I was in my element - bird book in hand; very much an amateur, trying to identify the bird life. Most days a couple of Fur Seals lounged on our wee beach.  

However the high light of coastal watching came on our second day when a school of about 50 to 60 Dusky Dolphins appeared, heading north toward Kaikoura. It was a spectacular sight.  They were flipping and diving, skimming over the water and in subsequent days we saw them again being followed by a tourist boats offering ‘To Swim with the Dolphins’.  It amazed me how the Dolphins followed the boats and swum with the people in the water jumping and flipping around then.  I could have watched them all day through the binoculars. 

Show Off 

Dolphins Swimming with Tourists

 

The Kaikoura peninsular walk is well worth a mention. It took most of the afternoon to complete the round trip, stopping for much needed beer and rest at the Pier Hotel, one of the older establishments in Kaikoura.


Wayne at Work

DOC, the Kaikoura District Council and local Iwi have created an enduring legacy in the Kaikoura peninsular preservation and walk. The establishment of the Hutton Shearwater breeding ground and protected areas also makes for interesting reading and observation. They, like the Godwits in Foxton, fly in seasonally, breed, feed and fly off again.

Boat harbour was a restful, refreshing place, and until we return, pleasant memoires of our days there remain.



Do Epicene Women still Exist ?

Christchurch beckoned, but Domet’s Main Line Station Café was our first stop for a hearty breakfast. Just minutes out of Cheviot, Main Line Station Café is quirky and quaint.  An old rail way station, it’s a tiny single room establishment, but the food is great and on a warm summer day they provide some great outdoor dinning.



This notice caught my eye on the wall of the café. It all made sense once I found out what the word ‘epicene woman’ means.  So  grab your dictionary and it will all become clearer....I hope all you good women take head of this 1890’s advice…