Not again!

Before I go any further you must read this POST from 2017 first because what I tell you next will beggar belief.

Oh dear, someone got it wrong! And that someone is not a million miles away from me! We were told to arrive at the Bluebridge ferry at least an hour before departure and Ian had (or thought he had) booked the early crossing. By 7.45am we had arrived, drove to where the kiosk was and gave the official our booking number. Now, this is where the confusion set in. He looked at us quizzically, mentioned that we must be very keen seeing as how we were 12 hours early! "Pardon," said Ian "We were told to arrive an hour before sailing". "Yes," said he "but you are booked on the 20.45 ferry and not the 8.45am. Oh, dear....we looked at each other in disbelieve. Ian got out his booking confirmation and sure enough, it stated 8.45pm. But all was not lost because he took pity, said how lucky we were to arrive at this time as the 8.15am had started boarding (there isn't an 8.45 am crossing) and as the boat wasn't full he would change our booking. Being last on we expected to be last off. In fact, we were one of the first to disembark at Picton.

So here's the thing....How can one man get something so wrong....twice!

Sunday 19th. The alarm on the phone sprung into life a tad after 6 am. Groans from us both but we crawled out of bed, had the bedding stowed away as soon as the last persons bottom left the mattress and by 6.25 were on our way. Destination Bluebridge Ferry. Time of sailing, 8 am. Arrived at the port in good time and this time no kiosks. The lane we needed was pointed out, the van parked and instructions followed to head for the terminal and check-in. Dutifully joined the queue and finally our turn. Ian hands over the phone with all the documents needed, the chap types it all into the computer and then those dreaded words. "Your 24 hours too early" he grins. "You are booked on the 8 am ferry on the 20th!!! WHAT!!! Not again! I could not believe it. This time though we were unlucky because although he said he could change our booking, we had to pay a further $90 for the privilege!

Breakfast on board, yummy

Miserable wet day leaving Wellington

But had the promise of a better day when we glimpsed the sun.

Picton.

Disembarked by 11.30am and headed for Kaikoura. This road was closed last time we did South Island because of the devastating earthquake and drove to it the long way round via Nelson, Westport, Greymouth (the western coastline) and across the Island to Christchurch before heading back North on the Eastern side.

Very noticeable was the rugged landscape with a twisty winding road, quite beautiful in its way.

This is Lake Grassmere Saltworks ponds. To see why they are pink CLICK HERE

Stopped on route to view this at Awatere River. The Road Rail Bridge. There is a good article about it HERE

Stopped early by Lake Elterwater, another freedom camping site. Quite close to the highway but like all New Zealand roads, not much in the way of passing traffic to bother us.

  And on the Lake

And seen during the crossing

Terns

Shearwater.