We left Lake Tekapo and went back to Christchurch for one evening to vreak up the long drive to Kaikoura. It felt strange to leave the beauty of tekapo and head back to the city and to realize that in 3 days we would be in Wellington and begin the wedding prep. Then the wedding and then head back north to go back to the States.

The adventure almost over.

Well the adventure continues. Thinking that the beautiful landscape might be coming to an end, i was happily surprised as we wound our way to Kaikoura and to whale watch. We travelled through some vineyard country (nothing like the Marlborough area) and then headed into the mountains. The area was so lush, panoramas that once again invoked awe and wonder. Such gorgeous creation. I may have written this before but it bears repeating (cause it keeps circulating in my mind). I have never know that there were so many shades of green and that it seems like Nature never makes a mistake how she places different colors side by side. Nothing is out of harmony with anything.

Coming toward Kaikoura, the sea is once again that special blue color and the surf just keeps rolling in. The whitecaps and the turquoise blending as it breaks on the very dark grey sand. We stopped to take a photo--we stopped a lot to take photos, maybe that is why a 2 hour trip takes 4 hours! As we looked at the sea, the seaweed sparkled in the sunlight and all of a sudden there were seals swimming and bobbing. The New Zealand Fur Seal is larger than other seals I have seen and there were so many of them. Each time i turned my head i would see another head popping up.

Oyur accommodation was right across from the sea and really crisp and clean. We went and bought some fish and created a wonderful red curry fish stew that we ate as the sun went down. The next day was set for whale watching. We were all realy excited to go. The wind, however, was SO strong that we wondered if the ship would sail. So when we woke up to clear and calm skies, we were all happy and got ready to go.

The television was on and then we heard it--a tsunami alert for the whole east coast of New Zealand! Bummer--no ships were being allowed to sail to view the whales. It was a beautiful day,however and we spent it driving up the coast to a nearby seal colony and had a wonderful walk up to a waterfall. The adventure was still captivating. Then home to grill some lamb chops, write the blog and go to bed to leave for Picton and the ferry home to Wellington.

Amazing trip that continues to unfold and marvel. Stay tuned!

xx