No blog last night, as we were being treated to a wonderful roast lamb with a very special couple in Nelson. Dirk and Henriette emigrated to New Zealand about 20 years ago, with their 3 children and live in Nelson. They are both Maths teachers at a school in Nelson. Definately Nelson's gain and Kayelitsha's loss (as this is where they were teaching in the late '80s and early '90s. Wonderfully hospitable and passionate people, who now live in the town which was home to the man who split the atom, Rutherford. Quite apt for two mathematicians. They live in a beautiful home perched on a hill with beautiful views over Nelson from every window. The garden is absolutely to die for...it shows all the love and hard work that is poured into it. The fuchsia and "peace in the home"- just beautiful and the proteas....just something else. The 4 "children" in the home are now the dachsies - 3 miniature wirehaired dachsies and one miniature smooth shorthaired dachsie...they don't leave Henriette's side. They love their life in Nelson and one can see why ! Living and working conditions are just great. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality, Dirk and Henriette, it was wonderful getting to know you.

This wonderful evening followed on another full day in paradise. We took the watertaxi from Kaiteriteri in the morning into the middle of the Abel Tasman Park, then walked for about 2 hours through rainforest along the coast, over a swing bridge to end up at a beautiful small cove. Had a swim in crystal clear water (a bit cooler than expected for me !) and dried off just in time for the Watertaxi to pick us up again and cruise all the way to the top of the park. We saw some more fur seals along the way and then cruised all the way back to Kaiteriteri, picking up people in all different coves along the way, arriving just after 16h00. Just an amazing holiday paradise. So many beautiful beaches and coves to be explored on foot or by kayak...or watertaxi and a combination of walking and paddling. The walking tracks are beautifully maintained and the environment is pristine. We could certainly have spent several more days here, especially as Golden Bay, north of Abel Tasman Park, is supposed to be equally stunning. That will have to wait for another trip.

I have realised that I am getting the totally wrong impression on New Zealand though in terms of the weather. We have 2 weeks of constant sunshine ...with 1 day of rain. The country is in the grip of a severe drought and this weather is definitely not the norm. It is a country with a cool climate and lots of rain...rather cold in winter.

Outdoor activities are so easy though. There a cycle- and walking tracks just everywhere. This morning, while eating our breakfast in our van parked at the beachfront, we watched 3 women paddling off on their surfskis, possible in rather calm water. All very conducive to an outdoor lifestyle. Correct clothing ...and the weather is less of an issue.

The Cathedral in Nelson is worth a visit, a very impressive building. Nelson itself is also a lovely town with a very quaint city centre. Flower baskets hanging at the front of the shops just adding that extra-special touch. Thought that this would be a town I could live in.

And off we were again....for lunch of Green Mussels in Havelock, the Green Mussel capital. They did not disappoint ...really scrumptious. The Pelorus Sound is huge ...Havelock is located on this Sound.

Now we are in Picton, site of the ferry terminals for our ferry crossing tomorrow morning. It is rather windy, hopefully it will be less so for the crossing tomorrow. It will be amazing to see the Sounds from the sea tomorrow.

The ferry terminals are being shifted from Picton, as the boats need to drive slowly through the Sounds and if shifted outside of the Sounds the boats can drive faster and the crossing will be much quicker. For the businesses and holiday parks in Picton this will have a devestating consequences, as bout 70% of their business comes from the ferry terminal traffic. Really a concept of having one's cheese moved ! Challenges exist everywhere....in different formats perhaps, but with very similar consequences.

The final thought...it is so refreshing to hear that the most important morning news headlines are that the new series of "Days of our Lives" is again being screened, after being off the screens for 4 years ....instead of deaths on the road, murder and rape. I think boring is not such a bad thing !!