Motueka was voted the best town in NZ, probably for its proximity to several national parks, but also for all the town offers its residents. This morning we walked through town and visited the Sunday Market, a combination farmer's market, flea market, and arts and crafts fair. There was live music and stands selling produce, fruit, whitebait fritters, plants, coffee, ice cream, tarot card readings, and assorted crafts, clothing, books and junk. We did buy some beautiful ears of corn.

We also visited the pharmacy for some medicine for Bob’s sore throat (he’s been suffering with it), plus we looked for a camera store (there wasn’t one) to help us figure out what’s wrong with the camera. I fear it may have something to do with being on a sailboat yesterday. At least I still have the iPhone camera. 

We chose the longer winding drive leaving Motueka because several locals recommended it.   It was a beautiful drive along the river and through the mountains. However, the road was narrow and there were no pullouts for us to be able to stop and take photos. We drove past fields of hops growing on vines 10 ft. tall; Coors will be getting a fresh shipment soon. We followed several rivers, and there were many fishermen hoping for trout, which are plentiful here.

We stopped in Murchison for the night, which is not quite on the west coast, but close enough that we encountered the dreaded sand fly.   I can feel them biting, which helps cut down on the number of their very itchy bites.   Good thing Bob stayed inside to take a nap as he reacts to the bites.

The scenery here reminds me of a cross between West Virginia and Colorado. The peaks are not as tall as in Colorado, but some of them are just as majestic.

We checked into a Kiwi Campground, which I thought was overly expensive, as they don’t provide the quality of services of a Top Ten Park. But then I discovered the animals. We were greeted by a group of ducks and they have the typical sheep, but they also have a tame deer, a wallaby, and several ostriches. Kids (and some grownups) enjoy feeding the menagerie. I got a few photos, but it started raining (a blessing, because it was very hot when I fixed supper). We’ll sleep well tonight with the rain hitting the camper roof.

We heard that the northeast coast of the US is experiencing a terrible snow storm. Hope everyone is OK.