Guest Blog Number 1!

Wow, I’ve been “invited” to contribute the first guest blog for Glisk.  Joanne has done a great job so far and deserves a small break!

Thank God they're not snakes

Yesterday we did another day of walking/hiking, this time in the Farewell Spit area.  It was a hazy day – because it didn’t seem too sunny Joanne managed to get quite sunburned which will no doubt turn into a deep tan in a few days (on the other hand I will remain pink for about 2 weeks then end up gaining three new freckles).  We had made arrangements to do some sea kayaking but one day it was cancelled due to high winds, and this morning it was cancelled again due to the “guide” being unavailable at the last minute.  No problem – we’ll do some kayaking somewhere else.  And of course we’ve discovered more cafe’s serving endless varieties of scones, muffins, cakes and slices.  When you next see me I’ll be the fat one addicted to cappuccinos!  There is a strong cafe culture here, and they like their coffee “toxic”.

Today we left Golden Bay and have relocated to Nelson where we’ll spend the next three nights.  There’s a Saturday fruit / veg / crafts market Saturday morning Joanne is dying to visit, and a flea market Sunday morning which I suspect will also be visited.  Also some walks in the area, as well as wineries, beaches and craft shops.

Overall New Zealand’s South Island has been fantastic.  So far my biggest impression has been the superb scenery, and I can’t say I’ve been starved for stunning scenery over the years with various trips round Canada, Iceland, Norway, southern Spain, France, etc.  The Southern Alps were particularly spectacular and just about everywhere seems to either mountainous or have mountains as a backdrop.  The beaches are numerous, extend for miles and miles, and are for all intents and purposes deserted.  The farmland, wedged in valleys between mountains or between mountains and sea, appears to be prolific with all sorts of fruit and vegetables being grown including hops, grapes, cherries, apricots, plums, oranges, olives, kiwis, apples, corn, potatoes, and loads more.  I suppose it’s the contrasts that surprise; glaciers and tree ferns, apples and oranges, beaches and mountains, penguins and oystercatchers.  And it all packed into a relatively small country.  We see glimpses of Canada (particularly NS and BC), bits of Europe (Norway, Italy), and flavours of Asia (tropical bits) all fused together into this place called New Zealand; it’s really very fascinating geographically speaking.

Overall we’ve been quite fortunate with the weather.  We’ve had very little rain and not too much cloud.  Supposedly it’s been windier than normal, but more importantly for us it’s been warm if not hot, and we’ve been living in t-shirts, shorts and sandals.  What a way to go.

After Nelson we’re off to a small place on a beach near Blenheim on the northeast coast before we drop off the car and head to the North Island on the InterIslander Ferry.  Expect another blog entry from Joanne sometime in the next few days

Cheers for now, and Happy Waitangi Day (Sunday February 6^th),

Andrew

PS – By the way I got a sim card for my mobile here.  In case of emergency you could always reach us on mobile number +64 22 0792551 (as dialled from overseas).

PSS - Joanne edited her last blog by adding some photos (technical problem solved)!