Not a bad night’s sleep, according to my sleep monitor app! A cup of coffee in the garden while I devise a plan for the day. I was delighted with The Villa guest house. Clean, smart with quite quaint features.
I watched some little birds flitting on the trees – not sure what they were – any ideas anyone? Would be nice to know who’s reading this.
I decided to borrow one of the hostel mountain bikes and head towards Karaka Point in the morning….. and book myself on a wine tasting tour for the afternoon.
Now I haven’t been on a bike for years, well not since Gill and I went off for a bike adventure in Bauge, France! So not feeling very confident I chose one from a motley bunch in the corner of the garden and gingerly pushed myself off. It was exceedingly uncomfortable and the chain seemed to slip so I took it back and tried another, thinking that perhaps Shanks’s pony would be preferable. One more try – yes, this one was much better and one of the gears at least worked and turned the wheels round.
Wobbly at first and feeling vulnerable I set off on the route given to me by the receptionist in the hostel. It was pretty warm but I had plenty of water. After about 4k I came upon the Marina and remembered I hadn’t had any breakfast. This might give me some energy to peddle up the steep hills. So I cycled into the complex which was very quiet and found the Jolly Roger. They must have seen me coming as the doors opened as I leapt off my bike.
A delicious hot toasted ham and cheese sandwich and a flat white and I was back on my bike peddling up the hill. Unfortunately, the toaster had thrown a wobbly and I had to wait a while which really didn’t leave me enough time to get right to the top. Also I saved my energy where there were photographic opportunities. You see so much more from a bicycle and I became very confident and enjoyed covering so much more ground than walking.
My wine tour was leaving at 1.15 so I decided to turn around at 12 to be back in time although I’m sure the high viewing point of Karaka was probably around the next bend. I flew back downhill nearly all the way with the wind in my hair and arrived back at the hostel in plenty of time for a shower.
Unfortunately the little gadget that transfers photos from my camera card to my iPad has stopped working. I think it’s on overload because I’ve taken too many pictures! So will just be words for a bit I’m afraid…..
There were 11 of us off to the Blenheim region in a minibus driven by Sam. Three Aussie couples, one American couple, one young German couple and me. Oh heck, all flipping couples! I felt that having visited the wineries in Hawkes Bay, I must at least do the same while in the Marlborough region. We visited 4 wineries for tasting – Hunters, Hui, Gieston….. I remember passing Stoneleigh and Cloudy Bay. I was told when asked that Cloudy a Bay don’t have groups round much as they are quite small. Needless to say, the details about each wine became a blur as the afternoon went on and we all got to know each other quite well.
I was amazed to hear that Jan, one of the Aussies, had won a medal in the Dragon boat races that I’d watched in Wellington a couple of days before. She had come over from Sydney with her team especially to race for cancer survivors.
As before at my last wine tasting session in Hawkes Bay, I find the red wines a little light and watery. My favourite was probably the Hui Sauvignon Blanc (must make note).
Our driver filled us in on the background and various growing techniques and climate according to what part of Wither Hills etc they grew as we made our way between vineries. I think he expected us to be singing along to his 60s cd on the way back but somehow it was only me humming and tapping my feet. Nothing like the Hawkes Bay tour Leigh!!
Our last port of call was a very posh chocolate factory where the Americans spent lots of dosh. I was tempted by some Irish creams but would be paying more for the posh box and ribbon than for the 6 chocs inside which would be eaten in a flash.
By the evening I was feeling very hungry so booked a table at the Seabreeze restaurant in town in a lovely spot overlooking the harbour. A huge amount of food arrived, I think I rather over ordered – King prawns in coconut sauce, mixed salad and chips, with Sav. Some had to go into a doggie box!
….more photos when I get the problem sorted…
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