So slightly going back in time here (how cool is that?) But just a couple of pictures from the one walk we got out on while up in Palmerston North. It was with two friends of my Aunts who had visited my parents in Ireland (and had embarrassing pictures of me from when I was about 6, no copies sorry)
It was along a nearby gorge – a 4 hour walk… good for working off the Christmas over-indulgences). The friends were in their 70s I think.. but certainly walked the legs off us. Sigh!
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We also spent a day in Fotxon – a nearby town. Can’t quite remember why, but they built a windmill there – pretty interesting to walk around it and see the workings. They also had some displays on the windmills in The Netherlands and how they’re set up to drain the place.
After that it was time to leave the N.Island and catch the ferry down to Picton. It’s a beautiful crossing coming into the sounds.. well worth doing. The drive to Nelson (well, Mapua) was lovely too – it really is a stunning part of New Zealand. We were staying in a Bach (holiday home) of May – one of my Aunts friends. Lovely place.
The wonderful surprise was that we’d just arrived and I got a call on my mobile from Morgan – a great friend from college who is here touring about with his lovely girlfriend Becky. They were just finishing on the Abel Tasman (kayaking and walking) and were driving past Mapua – so we all met up for a drink. It was just SO great to see them. Unfortunately our touring plans won’t allow us to meet up again so it was just wonderful to see them up in Nelson. Hopefully Graham and Myra will convince them to move out… ;)
Spent the next few days exploring the area. I took my parents and my Aunt out to the Riverside Cafe for dinner. Unfortunately I don’t have any pics of the place – nor from the hike Dad and I did on the Abel Tasman because my battery is completely useless. Not sure whether it’s a short curcuit in the camera – or just that the non-canon replacement batteries suck – but either way I get to take about 5 pictures and it gives up. Harumph.
We did walk up to the Centre Of New Zealand.. which conveniently happens to be situated on the top of a hill in Nelson! Hmmmm. Still, it gives nice views.
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