Saturday 12 March – a different side of Picton

Early start this morning as I wanted to catch the Nelson Saturday Market before getting the bus to Picton.

Another beautiful sunny morning with a few clouds that soon dispersed as the sun rose higher in the sky. I walked into town for the exercise and found the market tucked away in a car park near the Cathedral. There were plenty of interesting foods and crafts on offer and several musicians performing in different places to add to the atmosphere. I spent about half an hour there and would have liked longer to linger and chat but I had a bus to catch!

I returned to Paradiso, booked a taxi and checked out. It would have been quite a walk with my not very light backpack so, not wishing to set off any back problems at this stage, $6 for a taxi was no big deal.

We left Nelson along the coast road. The tide was well out leaving pickings for stilts and oyster catchers. Boats tilted and aground at their moorings providing great painting inspiration. Before long the Naked Bus was snaking through yet more exceedingly hilly country clad with pine trees, very tight bends up and down. I notice here and there a touch of Autumn is colouring some of the deciduous trees.

We pass through Rai Valley, a very small town with dry yellow hills rising up on either side.

There is a guy on this bus who was on the Citybus from Greymouth. He really loves the sound of his own voice and my heart sank when I saw him sit down in front of me. No peace on this journey! It has been verbal diahorea and I feel sorry for his neighbour who has hardly got a word in the whole time!

Pelorus bridge provided a scenic view of the river below.
Large dairy herd crossing, happens same time every day. Driver hoped he’d beat them. Good cow dog keeps cows in check.
This time of year the sheep blend with the land – a sort of yellow ochre compared with the strong contrast of white against green in the springtime.
Back to the Wairau Plains and row upon row of vines. Naked bus driver tells us nothing, while City bus driver was really informative of each area.

We dropped off quite a few people in Blenheim, including person sitting next to chatterbox guy.  I moved to the opposite front seat but decided not to engage in conversation with him.  However this didn’t stop him, he started chatting to the driver.  It was quite interesting listening though.  He was originally from the UK and it seems he was a bit of a hobo and had been travelling for the last 12 years.  Most of the passengers left on the bus were getting the afternoon ferry but not chatterbox!  Like me he was staying over in Picton and getting the morning ferry – but not the same ferry! Phew.

I checked in at the Fat Cod – so far a 5 bed dorm to myself but this could all change as it was only 1.30.  I had made the decision to have a swim in the sea.  It may be the last one in New Zealand, although I hope to swim in Taupo Lake before I leave.  The guy behind the desk pointed me towards Bob’s Bay, ‘a little hike through the bush around the harbour’.  I think I must have taken the arduous route as it was a steep climb up to an undulating path around the harbour and beyond.  I seemed to be going increasingly higher and after about half an hour the steep descent began…. ‘more pain more gain I thought – the swim will be worth it.  At last I arrived at a beautiful secluded bay with just a few young lads fishing further up.  I was straight into the luke warm turquoise waters and floating on my back in the warm sunshine.  

The return hike seemed very much easier staying close to the clear blue waters most of the way.  I took it easy now that my challenge for the day was over and took in the flora around me.  You may be able to name some of these Leigh?

It was lovely to watch people having fun on the water.  I was quite envious of those out in the little sail boats and kayaks but I can’t fit it all in.

I flopped on my single bed by the window for a bit.  The other four bunks were still unoccupied.  Next some food.  I hung up my wet togs and changed into something for a warm summer’s evening, then headed off to my favourite restaurant, Seabreeze, which looked most welcoming in the evening sunlight.  A couple of Pinot Gris’s… what’s the plural??  then a seafood chowder fitted the bill.  It was so pleasant sitting there looking across the bay listening to their tasteful background 60s music.  I even started singing along after the second Pinot.

A short walk around the town and the Bay then back to the hostel where some guys are playing some seriously competitive pool…. better move to a safer spot….. bed maybe…. I wonder if I have any room mates yet??