Easter 2010

Hi Everyone,

Not long since the last offering but as I have been on another trip I thought I would put fingers to keyboard. I trust that the weather is warming up a little now, that you are keeping well and that the ash from the volcano is not causing problems.

I decided to abandon the family at Easter, having first made sure that the Easter Bunny had enough supplies, of course. This trip was to Nelson - an area of the South Island that I had not yet visited. Another coach tour (filled with people rather older than me but very friendly and they made me feel quite sprightly!!) To my amazement I knew the brother of one of the other passengers in Boxford - Fred Corner for those in the area. Talk about a small world!

Tahunanui Beach where we stayed.

The coach broke down an hour out from our destination - an additive in the diesel destroyed the fuel line - so we were not at the hotel until 8pm; a 12 hour trip from Christchurch!!! No matter as the next day more than made up for it. We had a wonderful 4 hour boat trip up the coast calling in at many of the beautiful bays that edge the Abel Tasman National Park. I would definitely like to visit again and walk some (or all) of the A. T. track. The weather was gorgeous and the scenery so beautiful.

Kaiteriteri - start of Abel Tasman National Park

Nelson Market on the Saturday was full of very talented people and well worth a wander round. We also visited some 'stately homes!' As these homes tend to be less than 150 years old to someone coming from England they are not terribly impressive but I mustn't carp. NZ is after all a very young country by European standards, and anything over a hundred years old is considered 'heritage'.

Many many vineyards in this region but the only wine I tasted was purchased over the bar in the hotel. Honest! Mostly coach travel on the Sunday - no chance for a paddle but I did try the hotel pool - FREEZING! We had a good trip back down the coast, no delays this time, and home in time for tea.

On the way home!

All are well here. School is back this week. Sarah had her birthday this month - her 'surprise' party not quite a surprise we planned. See her blog for details. I have started back at the gym and the motivation is that I have paid for a 3 month membership! Hope that you enjoy the scenery!

Do take care, all my love until next time. Carol xx