Tropical Cyclone Funa

Well today was everybodies last full day in New Zealand and just to show that the sun doesn't shine all of the time, the tail end of Tropical Cyclone Funa, tracked its way over the country. Tropical Cyclones don’t often feature in New Zealand’s weather but, when they do, they usually cause serious damage. Fortunately Cyclone Funa, although it did bring torrential rain and gale force winds is caused little damage here in Richmond. Gordon and Kay had to take the campervan back to Picton today so the morning was spent cleaning it out etc while Mum made hot pancakes for everyone. Its a 2 hour drive to Picton so the round trip was 4 hours so took up most of the afternoon. Mum and the boys stayed at home and watched the wind and rain. Although there was torrential rain and high winds the temperature was still in the high 20s. Mum made tea for us all - mince and tatties - and we had a quiet evening packing and preparing to leave. By 7pm the storm had passed and the sky was blue again.

80th Birthday

Poor Mum woke up this morning choked up with the cold. She sounded terrible. Luckily after a couple of paracetamol and some breakfast she felt much better. We hadn't really planned too much for the day as the forecast was for changeable weather. Tropical cyclone Funa was making its way south and was forecast to hit the South Island tomorrow. In the Morning we went out to the Grape Escape for a coffee and a few last souvenir presents which G & K wanted to buy. Gordon had his breakfast there - coffee and a huge slice of carrot cake accompanied with fresh fruit and cream!

We came home and had some cheese and biscuits for lunch and my friend Sue arrived with a humungious chocolate cake (made with chocolate and courgettes!) - perfect timing. So Mum did get a cake on her Birthday. (No candles though so maybe someone would like to make her one when she gets home.)

After lunch we all went to the WOW and Classic car museum - WOW being World of WearableArts. It was a perfect way to spend the afternoon as by that time the rain had started - well showers anyway. I won't explain about the museum - ask Mum if you want to know more! We all enjoyed it anyway and then it was a quick trip into Nelson for some Ice cream for Findlay and fluffy kiwis for Gordon!

When we got home we were all a bit surprised to find a huge bouquet of flowers at the door - no name just Happy Birthday on them. Well there was a puzzle - Mum could not work out who would have sent her flowers knowing she was heading home in a couple of days. It wasn't until Tuesday that the mystery was solved!!

We had a quick turn around at home then off to the Harbourview cafe for a Birthday dinner. The Harbour Cafe is a lovely restaurant on Rocks Road in Nelson with amazing views across the harbour and out to sea. When i had booked the table last Saturday the views from the upstairs restaurant where amazing - turquiose sea, blue sky, white sales on the boats, Hulashore Island etc. Unfortunately by Monday night Cyclone Funa was getting closer and it was all quite grey and murky! However we were entertained by a huge container ship which came through The Cut to berth at the harbour.

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The meal we had was delicious. There was a great choice of seafoods and meats so everybody managed to get something they were happy with. Even Findlay....which is saying something! We had a lovely night and it was just a pity the rest of you all couldn't have been there to enjoy it with us!

Again, a lovely day, and hopefully Mum has some good memories of her 80th birthday which she will treasure - we will anyway.

The Travellers Return.

Gordon and Kay were due back from their travels today and had stayed at Nelson Lakes last night, so we decided to pack a picnic and meet them there for lunch before returning here to Richmond. St Arnaud, which is the village at the Lakes National Park, is where Tom used to work and is about 1 hours drive from here. We met Gordon and Kay at lunchtime and enjoyed a peaceful picnic at the lake side. The boys went in swimming but it was a bit chilly for the rest of us. Kay did try out Findlay's small inflatable boat and had us all a bit worried when she started to drift out into the lake and looked as if she had little control of the paddles! Niall even got his Tshirt off ready to swim and rescue her if necessary. But after a bit of twisting and turning she managed to get the paddles working well and was soon heading into land again. It was really quite hot there so we just stayed a couple of hours then headed back to Richmond. Kay at last got to drive the camper van and enjoyed the drive through the Golden Downs, Wakefield, Brightwater and back to Richmond.

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It was late afternoon by the time we got back to Richmond and still very hot so we decided to go to the beach to have a BBQ. Kay and I went to get some meat at the shops while Mum and Tom made up some salad and got the BBQ things ready. We headed off to Rabbit Island and parked ourselves next to the beach beside one of the wood BBQs which are there for the public to use. Tom, Gordon and Kay soon had a good fire going and tom took charge of cooking the steak and sausages. It was great sitting in the sun looking out to sea while someone else cooked!

After we had eaten the sea looked very inviting so off we went for a swim in the sea. The sun had gone down behind the trees so it was actually warmer in the water than out. Mum didn't come in but stood and paddled and took pictures of the rest of us. (Luckily her film ran out before i got out of the water!) We all had a really lovely time. Gordon even had his first swim of the holidays. We are so lucky to have the beach so close.

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On the way back from the beach we dropped into see our good friends Raewyn and Bruce. Poor Bruce had ripped his hand on some barbed wire and had been at A&E earlier in the day to get stitches - his second lot in a week. (He already had 5 in a gash in his head!!!) Gordon and Kay had a tour around their garden while Mum and I had a cup of coffee/tea with Raewyn. Gordon and Tom then had a whisky with Bruce - purely medicinal of course! All in all we had a lovely day - 2 picnics and a swim. We all slept well - well apart from Mum who woke up in the morning terribly choked up. She had paddled in the sea but her feet had got quite cold and it took a while for them to warm up so she blamed that. Luckily it hasn't seemed to have got any worse.

Weekend

Saturday morning and Mum and I decided to make another trip into Nelson to visit the market. Mum still had a few bits and bobs she wanted to get so the market was the best place to pick them up. We had intended going early (before 9) but we didn't get going until after 9 (my fault!) so the market was getting quite busy by the time we got there. Mum knew what she wanted though so it was no bother locating the stalls and buying the last few souvenirs/gifts.

It was really hot in the afternoon so Mum stayed in and watched the World Bowls championships. The local lass from Nelson - Val Smith - won the individual women's' competition and the Scots won the team (4) competition.

In the evening, when it was a bit cooler we decided to go for a walk. We decided to go up some of the path to the lookout behind our house as there are great views from there overlooking Richmond, the Waimea Estuary and Tasman Bay. You don't have to go far up the path to get good views but Mum managed right to the top!! We just took our time and stopped to look at the views every so often. Tom and I were well impressed that Mum managed up to the top. We took our time coming down as Mum's sandals were not the best for hill walking and it was quite slippy. I think Mum was fair pleased with herself too as the views did make it well worth the effort. Well done Mum!!

Gordon and Kay back tomorrow so it will be good to hear how they have got on in the South Island.

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Golf!

Today was the day we had a visit from the fly and spider man! The morning was spent tidying up, making muffins and getting the washing done (and dried!)
The spiderman came just after midday and we had to evacuate the house for 3 hours so we decided to go to the crazy golf to pass the time - another first for Granny who hadn't played golf since she was about 15 in Callander - "and that was all flat!!" We all started off enthusiastically and full of energy but the midday sun took its toll and by the time we got to the 18th hole - 2 hours later - we were all parched and glad we were finished!

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When we had finished the golf the boys were ready for a swim so we went to the school pool for them to have a dip. One of Findlay's classmates were there so they had a good time playing various water games!

We got back to the house - flies all gone. Yahoo! Hopefully it will mean we will be beastie free for the rest of the summer and longer.

All and all a nice day in the sun.

More adventures.

Well today is the day after the rabbit arrived! Another hot sunny day today. This has been the best early summer we have had for quite a few years. Mid summer for us is in February and that is usually when we get the hot settled weather but the last couple of weeks have been really good here. The garden is still really dry though so Mum has been busy watering it every second day. There are watering restrictions at the moment so you are only allowed to hand water every second day. The garden is going to be pretty parched by the end of February if this goes on.

Well Mum and I went to get the messages this morning. We went to the butchers, Veggie market shop and the supermarket. I also managed to get the windows cleaned in preparation for the fly and spider man coming tomorrow. We have had a lot of flies coming into the house with the weather being so hot and humid and we haven't had the house treated for a couple of years. It does make a difference. There have been some spiders about too so that should get rid of them.

Niall went to a friends this afternoon so Findlay, Mum and I went out to a cafe for afternoon tea./coffee. The cafe is out in the country and is quite new. I think is is a converted church and it has been very tastefully relocated and decorated. In the garden of the cafe is a classic hedge maze. The service was very good and the coffee and scones delicious! Findlay had a great time leading us through the maze. I think we only went round in a circle twice and we managed to find the centre in approximately 12 minutes - 4 minutes to get back out again!

My friends Sue and Graeme Martyn had invited us round to their house for a swim and BBQ in the early evening and since Mum had bought a swimming costume especially for coming out here we thought it would be an ideal opportunity for her to christen it. We had a great time! The water was lovely and warm and the boys jumped in practically as soon as we arrived. It didn't take long beofre Mum was in too. She got a bit of cramp at first but once she got inside the inner tube (!!) she was off! "First time in 3o odd years that I have been in a swimming pool" The last time being the pool in the greenhouse at Cromlix!

We had a lovely time. Sue and Graeme are such good hosts and we had a lovely BBQ and a friendly chat about Scottish pioneers and ancesters. The night was finished off with a dram of good Scots Malt Whisky (Highland Park) although Mum and I declined (I was driving - drat!)

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The Big Day has arrived

Well the new addition to our family has arrived - the Rabbit is here. The boys and I picked him up this morning and he has quickly settled into his nice new hutch in the garden. He is a pedigree Mini Lop and his colouring is registered as "broken blue". After much umming and aaahing he has been named Ziggy. Thanks Donna for all your suggestions. He is only 7 weeks old so must be missing his whanau (family!) but he seems contented at the moment. No that isn't a real carrot in the picture - it is a rabbit rattle!

So today has been taken up with watching the rabbit! He does come out of the hutch but is still a bit wary. He seems quite happy on Niall's knee - and he seems delighted with his new pet.

Fin's not quite so sure!!

I think his nose is out of joint a bit - someone else to share Niall's attention.

Mum and I have had a lazy day too. we did visit some craft shops and potteries in the afternoon but just looked - no purchases this time.

In the evening Tom and I took advantage of having a babysitter at home and went to the cinema - first time for ages. We saw Kite Runner - an excellent film. If you haven't seen it - go. Best film I have seem for a long long time - mind you I think the last one I went to see was Sponge Bob the Movie so that doesn't say a lot really! Sorry, I lie, Tom and I did go and see The Flying Scotsman about a year ago when it came out here (before the Scottish release!) Another excellent film well worth watching.

Wellington

Mum and I went on a day trip today to Wellington, the capital city of NZ. We arrived at the airport at 8.10 just in time to jump on the plain. I had checked in online on the computer at home so we just had to board the plain. The flight to Wellington is fairly short - 35 minutes but it can be quite bumpy at times - Wellington is very windy. We had a few bumps before landing but it was fine really. Mum is becoming quite an experienced air traveller now! We caught a shuttle into the centre of town and booked a city tour at the tourist centre. It was perfect timing really as the tour left at 10am (we were there at 9.45am). The tour started with a visit to The Beehive which is the common name for the modern parliament buildings. "They look a lot better than the Scottish Parliament buildings" was mum's opinion. From there we headed around to the botanic gardens for a walk in the Lady Norwood Rose gardens. The flowers were beautiful. Unfortunately while we were there it started to drizzle - Scotch Mist the driver said! And it didn't really get much better. It was a real shame as it meant there wasn't really much of a view at any of the other viewpoints on the way around the city. It was OK though and it certainly saved our feet traipsing to all the attractions.

When the tour was finished we had some lunch then headed for the cable car for a short trip up to the top of the Botanic gardens. After that we walked around the Harbour to Te Papa Museum to finish our day with a whirlwind tour of some of the exhibitions.

All in all it was a good day out. Shame about the weather though. What was even more irratating was that it had been a gloroius hot, sunny day in Nelson! The boys had been for a bike ride and a swim and generally enjoyed the good weather. They had fish'n chips waiting for us when we got home.

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Monday - The countdown is on! -

3 days to go!

Quiet day again today. Another hot one though 33 degrees on the temperature clock on the main street at 5.30pm. Washing and house work in the morning (yawn, yawn!) then a visit to the library to try to get a book on looking after rabbits. Unfortunately they were all out. (I think it might be something to do with the 3 litters of rabbits which the breeder's rabbits produced just before Christmas.) Niall is beginning to get quite excited - so is everyone else if the truth be known. The hutch arrived yesterday, the hay today, food is in the beer fridge(!!) and the rabbit arrives on Wednesday. Still hasn't got a name so any suggestions will be considered. Just click on comments below and you should be able to leave a message.

On the way home from the library we popped into my friend Sue's to have a look around her garden and have a catch up. She has invited us around for a BBQ on Thursday so that will be nice. She has a pool so the boys love going there as they get it all to themselves.

Did the grocery shopping in the afternoon then took Findlay to the Doctors. He has had a cough for about a week and it has been driving us all mad during the night (well only me really as I am the one who gets up to him!) Doctor thinks he just has a viral infection but has given him antibiotics to help clear it. It is years since he has had antibiotics so the doctor was happy to prescribe them.

Mum and I went for a drive in the evening up the Aniseed Valley to have a look at the river where we go swimming and admire the view.

Big day out tomorrow - Mum and I are off to Wellington for the day. No pictures today but here are some taken last Friday night at the beach.

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Farewell to G & K ....again!

Beautiful sunshine again today ...How long does summer go on for (I hear you ask) ?...... Oh until about April. Another 2/3 months.....Great!

Gordon and Kay continued on their travels today. A whirlwind tour of the South Island. They have been very impressed with what they have seen so far so I hope they get good weather next week so they can see the South Island in all its glory. The South Island is far more scenic than the North... or at least we think so! The scenery is much more extreme, humongous mountains, sparkling clear rivers and awesome rugged coastlines.

Before Gordon and Kay left this morning Findlay and I took them up to the lookout behind our house. You don't have to go far to get some stunning views over the Tasman district. It is quite a steep climb, but it is good for the leg muscles. We ambled up slowly collecting fossils (yes, millions of years old fossils!) and taking photos of plants and flowers.

Back home for lunch then Bon Voyage to G&K. The rest of us spent the afternoon in the garden. In the evening Mum and I walked down the road to post the postcards. - Hopefully they will be popping through your letterboxes in about a weeks time. Mum was quite insistant on posting them all at the same time so that you can all compare when the arrive. So just remember to take note ...because you will be quizzed!!

Saturday Market

Saturday - Market Day.

We all headed off into Nelson this morning to visit the Saturday Market. The Market in Nelson is a real mixture of craft stalls, food and vegetable stalls etc. We weren't there quite as early as the week before with Gordon and Kay so it was beginning to get busy but we managed to stroll around and Mum had a good look at all the stalls. Again it was hot and sunny, so hats and sun screen were a must.

We came home via some of the old buildings in Nelson for Mum to have a look at. They are only about 140 years old but in NZ terms that is real history!

We had quiet afternoon in the garden, then a BBQ for tea while we waited on G&K returning from their tour of the North Island. They arrived about 7.30pm and we had a lovely evening hearing about their adventures and looking at their 700 photographs!

A day at the races

Well the sun has come back to shine on us today. Lovely warm sunny summers day. Lawson phoned to say Mum has been given a cold weather payment to help with her heating bill as it has been so cold in Scotland! Tom thinks she should hand it back as the temperature here has not been below 20 degrees!

You may have heard that Niall is getting a rabbit for his Christmas. It was born just before Christmas so we are not getting it until next week but we went to have a look at some Rabbit hutches this morning. There is a chap in Nelson who is going to make one for him. While we were in Nelson we went to visit the Miyazu Japanese Gardens.

The Miyazu Garden celebrates Nelson's relationship with its Japanese sister city. As soon as you walk through the gate made from old timber recycled from the port, the street noise is screened out with an immediate feeling of enclosure. Still reflective ponds, trickling bamboo spouts and melodic cascades enhance the sense of serenity. Very nice!


Having had quite a leisurely morning we decided to "go the races" in the afternoon. There is a trotting/harness racing track here in Richmond and they have races 3/4 times a year. I had text ed Gordon and Kay in the morning and Gordon had instructed me to put $5 on the favourite on the third race. We arrived just has the first race was finishing but had time to put some money on the second race. $1 each way, for each of us! (about 40p!). Well there was great excitement as Mum's horse came with a late run at the end and finished 2nd! First time mum has been to the races and put money on a horse and it comes up trumps! Her winnings were $2.60 (1pound 4p!). Not exactly the jackpot but mum was happy. The next race was the 3rd race so I did as instructed by Gordon to put money on the favourite. Wasn't quite sure what all the numbers were on the board meant so had to ask a local punter which one was the favourite! Stir the Pot. I decided that it may be safer to put $3 each way on the horse rather than risk $5 on a win. Well Gordon's horse set off well - leading from the start, leading at half way although Mum's horse was gaining but then just in the last 200m my horse (Barmy Army!) made a surge from behind and finished with Gordon's for a photo finish! Gordon's horse won by a whisker (do horses have whiskers?) Winnings this time $9 (3 pounds 60) for Gordon, $2.60 for me. Needless to say I haven't heard the end of it from Gordon as I didn't follow his instructions to the letter!

Race 4 - again great excitement. Niall's horse winning and again I got second. The race meeting was going on all afternoon and evening but we decided to leave on a winning note and left after the 4th race. It was very hot and Findlay got a bit of a coughing fit so was feeling rotten. We were home in time for tea.

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Visit to Natureland

View from Princes Drive - Mum, agapanthus and Hulashore Island.


A bit overcast today but it is a good drying wind! Still warm though. Tom had got a free family ticket to visit a small local zoo so we decided to go there this morning. Natureland is a small animal park next to the beach in Tahunanui. It has lots of birds, some farm animals - pigs sheep goats as well as monkeys, otters, a wallaby, turtles and tuataras. Findlay took along some rice crispies as you are allowed to feed them to the animals so rather than buy a little packet there we took our own. Findlay has been there a couple of times with the school so he enjoyed being the guide and telling us all about the animals.

When we came out of the park we went to the cafe by the beach for lunch and enjoyed some very prompt and efficient service! Mum and Niall had a BLT and Findlay and I shared some wedges. The boys of course had to have some ice cream too! When we had finished we went for a walk along the beach. The tide was in so there wasn't much beach to walk along but mum enjoyed looking out for shells and among the jetsam and flotsam.

Before we headed home we went for a drive up the Port Hills to have a look over Nelson Bays and enjoy the view. There are some great lookout points and although it wasn't too clear today we could still see quite far. Back home for another lazy afternoon and to catch up with the housework!

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Wednesday January 9th - Sunny again

Well the rain has stopped as expected and the garden is looking much livlier after the soaking. Unfortunately that also means the weeds will have had a good watering too!

After visiting our friend Raewyn this morning for a cup of tea and a walk around her garden we went to the shops in Richmond for a look around. Richmond has a good variety of shops. In the Mall there are the usual clothing shops, shoe shops, chemists etc but on the main street there are some gift shops, newsagents, sports shops, green grocers etc so there is a good variety. Mum, Findlay and I had a look around while Niall met some of his friends and "hung out at the mall!" - which seems to be the thing to do when you are 14! We got home for lunch and had a lazy afternoon then Mum and I went to the local berry farm to pick some raspberries and boysenberries to have with the pavlova for pudding after tea. Yummy! I had meant to take a picture of it but it was eaten too quickly. This is all that is left!

Tuesday - Trip to the museum

Well it was still raining this morning. And it rained and rained! Good for the garden though! (I won't be saying that if its still raining tomorrow!)

Since it was wet we decided to go to the Museum in Nelson this morning. There is a Da Vinci Machines exhibition on which was interesting but we probably didn't appreciate it as much as some. Da Vinci was quite an amazing inventor - invented all sorts of things which i didn't realise! We were pleased we went early morning as lots of other people also thought it was a good way to spend a wet day so it was getting quite busy by the time we left. We had a look around the shops and by the time we got home at lunchtime the rain was beginning to ease. By 3pm the sun was shining again - yahoo!

Not much more happened today. Mum and I went for a walk around the immediate streets around here in the evening - Findlay came on his bike. Nice evening although it is now a bit hot and muggy after all the rain. G&K getting on OK. Had a text to say they are at Opoutere tonight. The rain has reached them and I think they will have a wet day tomorrow then the forecast is for better weather which is good. I am sure they will be very comfortable in their Mecedes campervan though!

Mum and Niall at the Provincial Museum

Monday in the rain

Well the rain arrived today although it hasn't been as heavy as we had expected. Its good for the garden but it has meant we have had a day mostly indoors. We did venture out to the Mall to get some bits and bobs but that was as far as we got. Granny bought some postcards and a jigsaw to keep the boys busy. So they day has been spent tidying up, doing the jigsaw and reading the paper. The forecast isn't good for tomorrow either so we will have to think of some wet weather things to do.

Sunday in the Garden

Again another quiet day in the garden. Forecast is for rain though and its been overcast all day. I hope it does rain as the garden really needs a good soaking. Its just started to drizzle now (8pm.

We did venture out to a couple of garden centres to have a look around, Mum made some scones and I made 2 pots of soup to use up some of the veg from the garden but apart from that nothing exciting today.

Some broccoli and courgettes from the garden!

Gordon and Kay start their Adventures

Well another hot sunny day today. This weather has been more like February weather (mid summer) than early January ....but we are not complaining!

It was an early start this morning for Godon kay and I. The were picking up their campervan in Picton which is a 2 hour drive from here and were booked on the Interislander ferry at 1.15pm. We left here at 7.30am so that we could stop off at the market in Nelson to have a look. The market takes place every Saturday and is a mixture of fresh foods and lots and lots of local crafts from local artists. It was great being there so early as there was room to move and browse at ease. I have never managed to get there before 9am so it was all very noval for me too!!

The drive through to Picton is about 1 hour 45 minutes so we gave ourselves plenty time to ensure we were at the campervan pick up point by 10.30am. Its a pleasant drive firstly through the hills north of Nelson (lots of pine trees!), then the dairy farms of the Rai valley and the last 20 odd kms are through the Marlborough vineyards (Montana wine etc.

We arrived at Picton with plenty time to spare and picked up the campervan without any hitches - well apart from an almighty scrapping noise as Gordon drove the van out of the drive of the hire office!! It brought everyone running but luckily no damage was found. We think it was just the step of the van hitting the kerb. The have a very nice new Mercedes 3 berth van with only 3000km on the clock. It has a toilet, shower, mircrowave and even a TV with a DVD player and a little satelitte dish on the roof! Not that Gordon and Kay will have anytime to watch the telly!

Once we picked up the van we went to a local cafe for some coffee and chocolate brownie and then they were off! I left them queueing up to go through the checkpoint before they got on the ferry. I forgot the camera so don't have any pictures but Gordon has some - I will post them on the blog when they get back.

Mum and the boys (including Tom) had a quiet day in the garden pottering around. Late afternoon they all went down to the school swimming pool so the boys could cool down.

Rest Day - Friday

Well after all the excitement yesterday we decided to have a quiet day today and just lounge around the house. Mum had a little fall yesterday so her knee was just a bit stiff so we thought it best not to walk too far. G, K and myself went to the local library to get some guide books and went to the Mall to do some shopping. Mum stayed at home with Tom and the boys. She played monopoly with Findlay (and won!), helped him with a jigsaw and did some gardening. Late afternoon Kay, mum and I went down to Washbourne gardens, a local council park to listen to some Jazz in the Park. There is a Jazz festival on here just now and there wee some bands playing at a free open air concert in the park. It was very very busy with lots of people having picnics etc. Kay was very impressed. There was a real summer garden party atmosphere with lots of families having a very relaxing time. Unfortunaely nobody took a camera so no photos to publish. We didn't stay too long and we had decidedto go out for a meal before Gordon and Kay headed off tomorrow.

For a meal we went to the Honest Lawyer in Monaco - between here and Nelson. It was also very busy so we had a bit of a wait for our meal but there was someone entertaining us with very good guitar playing and singing - Mum really enjoyed it. In fact she was nearly getting up to dance! I think she must be missing the tea dances! Again no photos as yet - Gordon has them and we haven't down loaded them yet.

Abel Tasman 3

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Abel Tasman 2

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Abel Tasman 1

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Day 4 - Abel Tasman National Park

Today was a pretty full on day. Mum, G&K and myself set off around 9am and headed west to the Abel Tasman National park. Abel Tasman National Park (established in 1942) is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. Abel Tasman is New Zealand's smallest national park. It is named after Abel Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand. The scenery is quite breathtaking and we feel very lucky to live so close to such a beautiful place.

The trip to Marahau at the South end of the park takes about 1 hour. We had booked a water taxi for 10.30pm. The water taxis in Abel Tasman are like no other water taxis I have experienced. You start your journey on the boat, on a trailer pulled along the road and into the water by a tractor! The tide was on its way out so we had to get taken quite far out from the beach before we were launched into the sea. As you can see from the pictures it was just great!

We headed north, very quickly ("its the fastest boat I have EVER been on!" quote granny) stopping off at a few bays to have a bit of a commentary from the skipper as drop some passengers off. We stopped at Tonga Island to see the fur seals and were lucky enough to see some cubs too.

Our second last stop was Awaroa. The Awaroa Estuary can only be crossed close to low tide. We dropped G&K off at 12noon and had thought low tide was around 12.30pm. They were going to walk across the estuary and walk the last 5km to Totaranui where Mum and I were getting dropped off at 12.15pm. Mum and I arrived at Totaranui and waited for about 20 minutes before Tom and the boys appeared. They had drove the 160km from Richmond (2 1/2 hours) to meet us there. The plan was that G, K, Mum and I would then drive home and Tom and the boys would get the water taxi back.

There is a DOC campsite at Totaranui and our friends Jeanette and Bill had been staying there since before Christmas. It is Jeanette and Bill's house that G&K are staying in. We met up with them at the campsite and had lunch with them - bacon and egg pie followed by freshly made scones. All cooked on an open fire! Amazing. It was very very hot at Totaranui so we had to spend the majority of the time in the shade. Mum's hat was coming in very useful.

Gordon and Kay were due to meet us around 2pm but by 3pm they still hadn't appeared. We were beginning to get slightly anxious but knew there wasn't really anywhere they could have wandered off the well marked path. The appeared at 3.10 just in time to see Tom and the boys jump in the water taxi and head home! Kay and I had a swim in the sea then we headed home via a town called Takaka and a few viewing platforms on the way. I will add more to this tomorrow - its late now and I am very tired. Just one picture to wet your appetite for more to come!

Day 3 - Wednesday 2nd January

Another day of glorious sunshine greeted us early this morning. We had a fairly quiet day really. Kay, Gordon, Mum and I headed off to Mapua this morning for a look around. Mapua is a coastal village about 20km from here. (http://www.nelsonnz.com/nelson/mapua.motueka.and.moutere) We stopped off at the Serious Straws factory shop to buy some hats. (www.seriousstraws.co.nz)!
Mum came out with a lovely blue one and Gordon and Kay came out with 2 each!! (Pictures will follow tomorrow). We then stopped off at a new cafe for coffee and scones and had a leisurely morning tea break. We headed home via The Grape Escape to look at all the local crafts and sample some wines. (http://www.grapeescape.co.nz/)
Home for lunch then a trip into Nelson in the afternoon to visit the tourist information and buy Gordon some swimming shorts. Kay had found Gordon's old ones in the loft but when they went to pack them they realised the fresh air had caused them to perish!!! Haven't got a picture of Gordon in his shorts yet but maybe tomorrow!
In the evening we had a BBQ and invited some of our friends around to join us. A very pleasant evening chatting and laughing. It is a very hot night tonight so its not going to be so easy to sleep. Boys are still unsettled and it is nearly 11pm. We have a big day tomorrow - heading over to Able Tasman National Park for a boat trip and some sight seeing. Its going to be a BIG day and we are all looking forward to it. Haven't taken many pictures today but there will be lots tomorrow that's for sure

Day 2 (cont) At the Beach

Rabbit Island is about 15minutes drive from here. It has 8km of beach, much of it safe for swimming. There is a public picnic area with all beach facilities in the middle of this Council owned island which is used primarily for foresty. Today was one of the busiest days as lots of families go there to have a BBQ and swim in the sea on the public holiday. We left it until later in the afternoon (5pm) before we went there as we knew it would be busy and it was quite hot today (26 degrees). The boys played frisbee and cricket (Tom and Gordon included) and the girls just enjoyed the warm weather and had a paddle in the sea! Niall and Findlay had a swim but the rest of us decided to leave it until another time. Home for a New Year's Day dinner of roast lamb and veggies followed by pavlova NZ syle. All washed down with a lovely champagne and NZ red wine. All in all a very relaxing and enjoyable first day of the new year. Everyone is tucked up in bed now to get recharged for some more adventures tomorrow!

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Day 2

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Lovely sunny day today - first day of 2008. Everybody is still recovering a bit from jet lag etc so we have just had a pottering about day. Headed to the "Gardens of the World" this morning which is in Hope - about 4 miles from here. It was a lovely place to wonder around with lots of plants/trees from all over the world. Then it was home for a leisurely lunch, short siesta then head off to the beach for a paddle..

Safe arrival

3PM Monday - Plane touches down at Nelson Airport. Mum, Gordon and Kay arrived safely this afternoon after a very long journey from Manchester via Singapore. The flights all seemed to go well apart from a bit of turbulance between Singapore and Christchurch. Gordon and Kay had thought they might stay up until the bells to celebrate the New Year but by 10pm they were pretty whacked so headed off. They are staying in one of our friends houses just up the road. (She is away on holiday and kindly let them use her house, with sea views!) Mum has had a snooze and feels not quite so tired but will head off to bed soon.

Singapore

Kay, Gordon and Mum had about 12 hours to wait for the connection in Singapore so decided to see a bit of the city. The went on a bus tour and a trip up the river. They were all very impressed with Changi Airport. This is just a few of the pictures from Gordon's camera.
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The Countdown is on!

Well it's only 18 hours until the Ross Clan arrive. The windows are cleaned, the fridge is full and Niall has had his hair cut!! We thought this blogspot might be a handy way to share Mum's holiday with you all. We will try to add to it each day and let you all hear and see what we have all been up to. I have just had a text from Kay from Singapore to say they have just been on a tour of the city and they are resting with their feet up. They have about 3 1/2 hours before they leave, 10hours flight to Christchurch then a 50 minutes flight to here. They arrive here at 3pm tomorrow. Should have time to get the garden weeded before then!