Rain, rain and more rain overnight and then woke to this morning. Hmmm not able to go up on the forest trails in the mountains, oh dear how sad, thank goodness they looked hairy. But we decided to head south towards Bicheno (W had ice cream on the brain again). We initially stopped at the Blow Hole at Bicheno which on a blue day could be spectacular with its red rocks and lovely clear water but the blow hole would not be blowing very well as it was today. The temp was definitely down, actually got my spray jacket out for the first time. Wally missed the good blows with the camera but got some shots.
Kept heading south to the Freycinet/Coles Bay turnoff and went for an explore but could not see much cause of the weather. Went up to the lighthouse and nearly got blown to the mid part of the western side of the South Island of NZ (read that bit on a sign) it was fairly bitter and not a place to stay for long. On our return it happened to be lunch time and we had been to this place on a previous visit and it was a shack on a property and we were introduced to steamed hot fresh mussel cooked on the spot for us. It is a Eco fish research farm or something like that so we decided to try it again or just buy some fresh oysters for later in the day. BUT it has changed and now is bigger and better, still basic but we had the most delicious lunch of salmon sashimi, oysters, steamed mussels in tomato chilli and garlic scallops with a glass of wine. Still sitting outside on wooden table and stools but with a roof cover but a very much going concern as we were inundated with Asian tourists in mini buses that swarmed the place. We got in at a very good time and left very satisfied. Although the boy decided he needed a Pondering Frog ice cream again, which was only 500 metres further on from our turnoff so there we went again.
We eventually headed north and went up an offshoot over Elephant Pass to St Mary's. Over a very winding narrow road and 8km up we came to the Famous Elephant Pass Pancake House - me I have never heard of it but famous Australia wide...hmmmm in their own minds maybe. Erkits decided he needed to try one cause we may never be there again. So one, mind you one lemon and sugar pancake at $8.00 was inhaled and a coffee at 3pm which I know he will complain he does he doesn't want any dinner and will have a toss and turn night as no decaf of course. So we have filled in our rainy day with eating again and not too much sight seeing. Off to Deloraine tomorrow and heading closer and closer to the erchhy boat on Saturday...hmmmm oh well it has been good.
xx