Hello from me, on my own again, as Nic left on her trek on Tuesday morning. On Monday evening I discovered that Keren (friend from Perth who went back to Asia when the tsunami hit) was in Nelson with a friend of her's from the UK and so the two of them met us for a drink. It was lovely to see her and the 4 of us compared notes as they had just finished the South Island and us the North, before they headed off to the cinema. Nic and I then went in search of food, which did not involve tuna or sweetcorn in any shape or form! Steak it was! After Nic had headed out I sat down and tried to organise my next 10 days going solo. First task was to purchase a new camera, which I did without too much drama, although the insurance company won't pay out until I get back to the UK. I was also told that the hostel had no room for me for the night and so had to pack all my stuff up carry it all (big backpack, little backpack and cool bag full of food) to the new hostel. I should have known - everyone over here really underestimates times, so my 10 minute walk was at least 20 - very hot and sweaty upon arrival, but The Paradiso Hostel had a pool - fabulous. I looked into buses for getting around and then thought I'd try for a cheap rental car and managed to find one. Dinner at the new hostel consisted of me trying to use up the leftovers from the van - risotto with, you guessed it - tuna!! I woke up early this morning to collect my car before checking out at 1000, only to discover that during the night I had been a major feast for about 20 mosquitoes - absolutely covered in bites. Apparently they don't like your blood if it has alcohol in it - must remember to drink more. Collected the car, which is an old style Toyota something or other - don't think we have them back home. I resisted the urge to get a nippy little sports car with a soft top, but managed to sound like a proper girl when my only concern was that it had a radio! For those of you who've heard me sing, you'll realise how important it is for me to be able to drown myself out. After checking out of the hostel I stopped at the local supermarket to stock up on tuna and sweetcorn before heading east on the no 6 highway. I stopped for lunch at the Pelorus River, which was beautiful - just me and the silence, broken only by the odd wasp - you would have broken your neck trying to get away over the rocks mum!! Back onto the highway and through the Marlborough region towards Blenheim. This area has over 50 wineries and acres of vineyards, making it the largest wine producing area in NZ. There are lots of wineries with open cellar doors and tastings - shame I was driving. Howver I did manage to find my favourite one - Cloudy Bay, where I managed to have a sip of all the wines on offer. I even bought 2 bottles as a birthday treat - Nic and I were particularly classy in the van and drank only boxes of wine, so it will be nice to have some decent stuff. Once out of here I headed along some stunning coastline to Kaikoura where I am now and checked into the Adelphi Lodge. This area is renowned for it's whale and dolphin watching trips, but the wind was really strong coming along the coast, so I won't be going out, especially after my last experience on a whale watch boat. (It was in the US and I spent the whole day on a boat where the majority of the passengers were throwing up and we didn't see a single whale. I should have twigged when they were handing out travel sickness tablets to everyone as they boarded!). Anyway, just had salad with tuna and egg (still using up the old stock) and I'll be off to bed soon. Sherry xx