Off On A Lark!

Well, Nelson is everything that it's cracked up to be. Nice city, friendly people, beautiful weather and great sailing and anchorages close at hand. We'll stay for a few days, then head across Tasman Bay to Abel Tasman National Park then northwest to Golden Bay. Nelson is said to be the geographical center of New Zealand. The surrounding area is known for its artists, vineyards and spectacular scenery.

It's Saturday and we've just come from the outdoor market. Our bags are loaded. Local cheese made from sheep's milk, honey in the comb, fresh veggies of all kinds including beets and corn on the cob and fresh picked apricots, plums and pears. On the way back to the marina we came across a store we'd been told about that sells just about everything you can imagine in bulk. Black beans, cornmeal and spices are all on our list. We'll be back before heading north to stock up. What a treat to find things that we like but don't find at the grocery here or up in the islands.

The marina is very convenient to town. It's about a 15 - 20 minute walk on a nice path. The downtown is very typically NZ. Two to three story, older well cared for buildings, lots of trees and very pedestrian friendly. On our walk yesterday we saw some historic homes, gardens, the cathedral and had tasty fish and chips at a takeaway just outside the main part of town. We also poked our heads into an architectural office where we were looking at photos of their work in the windows. Had a nice visit with the owner about their work and living in Nelson. He gave me the name of a landscape architect that I will try and connect with when we come back in a week or two.

Tonight our friends Marnie and Mike from 'Shelette' are coming for dinner. They been on a camping road trip of the S. Island for several weeks. We haven't seen them since Bora Bora in September, so there's lots to catch up on. Chicken picatta, roasted vegetables and brown rice for dinner with Spanish Almond cake for dessert.

We'll be off again tomorrow. Sailing to the west side of Tasman Bay.