The remains of Janie Seddon

 December 20th

Oh dear, we chose the wrong day to stop at Montgomery Square car park. What we hadn't realised was the bins get emptied very early in the morning (5.30 am) and once that task was done, the bin cleaning lorry arrived. The noise from that was worse than the refuse lorry, and because the car park was situated almost surrounded by buildings, the area acted like an amphitheatre amplifying every sound. Another 9 camper vans had arrived during the evening, so I guess they had regretted staying as well.

By 8 am I was up and ready to head to the showers. A queue had already formed, crikey, hope there was more than one shower. Well we waited and waited, no one turned up to open the doors. Some from the queue drifted off, some went back to their camper vans but a few remained firmly in line to get in first. As for us, we waited in the Toy, we were in the best position to see what was going on. 8 30 and at last the door opened and in they all streamed. We gathered our shower stuff and followed. As it turned out though, we both got our showers first. Those before us were actually waiting for the washing machines!

Leaving Nelson we had hold up after hold up. Quite a shock to the system after the near empty roads experienced so far. An accident was the reason for one and traffic lights the other.

 

Eventually hit the open road, got as far Sunderland pier at the end of Nelson's Wakefield Quay and decided it looked too nice a place to just pass through. Glad we did because we found this wonderful café called the Boat Shed. Here we treated ourselves to a cappuccino. For a snack we tried goat cheese crochets with honey. Never had that combination before but wow, were they moreish.

Below is the memorial statue to all seafarers that lost their lives in these waters.

The Pohutukawa tree nearly on full bloom

There had been no plan for where to go today, just to continue North toward Abel Tasman National Park and a place called Golden bay. This is where we plan to stay over Christmas. Taking the scenic route toward Motueka we veered off the main road and headed for Port Maupa Wharf. It was a spur of the moment decision and one we were very glad we took. What a gem of a place. Only small but full of character, with its wine bars, cafés and tourist shops. As the day was really warm (yep finally the sun shone) the ice cream parlour beckoned to us. It was busy, and you could understand why because my caramel and vanilla ice cream and Ian's thick caramel milk shake was one of the best we have had since arriving in New Zealand, no wonder people queued up for it.  

 Maupa Ferry takes cyclists and foot passengers across to Rabbit Island.

Shame the clouds were building. In fact, we thought we were in for another soaking.

We got away before it arrived missing that completely. I had read about the ship Janie Seddon who had been breached of Motueka Wharf and could be seen at low tide. We now had a plan and destination.

A person unknown had laid stepping stones so one could get to the wreck close up. Of course Ian had to attempt that. Failed miserably when he lost his balance and one foot sank in the mud. He decided to give up as a bad job.

Motueka was a short journey further on. It was here we found a great place to stay. It was near to the beach with a man made salt water swimming pool if one wished to have a dip. I nearly succumbed, it was hot outside and a swim could cool me off nicely. I chickened out when I saw the colour of the water. It looked murky, and I hate not being able to see what is beneath me.

More rain is forecast for tonight. Christmas is rapidly approaching and we do so want to spend it on a beach. Just our luck it will be cold and wet!

And seen on route

And wildlife