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April 16 - Abel Tasman boat cruise

 We booked a 4 hour boat cruise to see Abel Tasman.  We ride to the park…about 60km away, but it took over an hour.  A nice sunny day.  We got onto the boat and cruised around seeing all the sights, and the beautiful bays that are there.  It was a bit cooler today, especially on the water when the wind picked up.  Such a great way to see the park.  Lots of walking today…some of it on sand…and Ted is doing really well.  We walked about 5km throughout the day and he managed it.  😃😃😃

April 15 - Nelson

 We had such a lovely riding day to Nelson.  About 275 km, which the mapping software said would take 4 hrs….yes slower roads for sure.  

After a simple breakfast we were off.  The first 40km were by the ocean ….right down where we could see the waves crashing onto the black rocks.  We had a hard time keeping our eyes on the road instead of on the water.  The roads are narrow….minimal if any shoulder, twisty with lots of campervans, big trucks and small cars.  

150 km later, we got to Picton, which is the ferry departure point for the South Island.  From there we went west along the same steep narrow road that I cycled on about 3 weeks ago.  Very twisty, and many of the corners we took at 25km/hr.  I had seen many oncoming cars and campers cross the centre when I was cycling, and we were very aware of that today….so we took it easy, ensuring we left a lot of space in case the oncoming traffic veered into our lane.  This was about 40km….then after that we got onto the highway, with more twisty roads, but here we could travel at 70-80km/hr.  Many of the corners did say 35km up to 45km/hr.  

9 km from our destination….there was a line of traffic stopped on the road.  The road was closed due to an accident ahead.  Thankfully we were off the twisters, and down at sea level.  There isn’t an alternative route into Nelson….just the one we had been on.  Thankfully it was only closed for just over 3 hours, and we waited about 2 1/2.  The sun was shining, we were comfortable ….someone was walking from vehicle to vehicle offering water and a place to use the facilities if anyone needed it.  He was just someone also stuck in traffic trying to make it a bit better for everyone!  

Once we checked in…a quick wash up and a visit with a cycling friend and his friends.  A lovely evening.  

Dinner tonight….Ted had his first try of NZ fish and chips….not his last I’m thinking!

Ted brought his mesh motorcycle jacket, but forgot his Morocco coat….the one he bought in Morocco because he forgot to bring a rain jacket when we were there.  Two days ago he went and bought a rain jacket to wear over his mesh jacket…now called his NZ coat.  Stylin’!!!!

Our bikes….with a long line of traffic behind us.  

April 14 - Kaikura

 Hello everyone!!!  Ted is now here….so the final part of my holiday can begin!!!  😊😊😊

The plan was for Ted to arrive on the afternoon of April 12, and we would celebrate our 40th anniversary together….but a delayed flight in Vancouver meant a 12 hour delay in Brisbane, and Ted only arrived at 0230 on April 13….but it was still the 12th at home….so all was good.  😊 

A few things to look after yesterday…storing our luggage after we repacked for the motorcycles.  Then we went out for a nice Thai meal right by our place.  

This morning we headed to the motorcycle rental to pick up the bikes.  My bike is still really tall despite it being lowered with a lowered seat and soft suspension.  I can put toes of both feet down at the same time, or one almost flat foot down, as long as the road is flat and there aren’t any holes or divots in the pavement.  So far so good!  We are here in Kaikoura safe and sound….only made one mistake turning right!  Quickly corrected and we are good.  No photos today….just too nervous on the bike.  

The first 130 km were fairly wide roads through farmland.  We saw lots of sheep and cattle today as well as some deer.   Fairly straight roads for that distance which gave me some time to get used to the bike.  Then a few curves for about 20km….unfortunately we were caught behind a semi only going about 25km hour through the really twisty hills.  And the last 25km were winding roads right by the South Pacific Ocean….waves crashing onto huge black rocks.  Stunning scenery, but no place to pull over to take photos….so you’ll all have to jump onto a plane and come here yourselves to see it!!!!  😊😊😊  They call it the money shot for a reason!!!  😂😂😂

Today was all about getting our ducks in a row

Too beautiful to eat!!!

The beach tonight

I have no idea what day it is!!!!

I have no idea what day it is….or what time it is but the sun is shining and I’m so happy!   

I’m back in Nelson after 4 days in Abel Tasman National Park - otherwise known as Paradise!!!!  It was amazing.  Check out the photos that were posted on the previous blog post.  This park is so well set up….and seems that they have thought of everything so that everyone can come and enjoy the park their way.  

To get to the start, you can drive and park, or as I did, I took a bus that picked me up at my hostel then an hour drive to the start of the track.  I started from the south end headed north, but it’s also possible to drive to the north end and head south.  There are several huts and lots of campgrounds.  Water taxis go to most of the beaches so they can move your bags from camp to camp if you wish,  a great option for parents with children who want to camp.  If you only have a day they can drop you off at one beach and pick you up at a different one.   Or you can run the length!  So many options hiking options….then you can rent kayaks, paddle boards etc….go for a swim, unlimited options!  

I was dropped off at the start and hiked to the first hut - approx 11km.  I was so lucky to snag the last bed in the hut.  It was a cool drizzly day….but that night it poured, and all the campers got wet ☹️.  The next morning the sun came out, and the rest of my time in there was warm and sunny.  Amazing views and spectacular beaches.  I would just sit for hours enjoying the feel of warm golden sand on my feet, listening to the rhythm of the waves.  Everyone is so friendly….and I would usually find someone to have a conversation with.  I took so many photos during my hike, every time it would turn the corner the view would change!  So glad for digital pictures or I would have run out of film on the first day!!!!  😂😂😂

I’m headed back to Christchurch for the last part of the holiday….sharing it with Ted!  So happy that he decided to join me….and looking forward to seeing the sights from the motorcycles.  

Thanks for following along and all the comments 

Day 40 - Nelson

 I’m back in Nelson tonight.   It’s such a pretty town, right on the coast of the Tasmania sea.  The bus ride here had such amazing views…..unfortunately I didn’t take any photos through the glass.  Twisty roads with great views….will be amazing on the motorcycles. 

I’m in a hostel tonight, as the bus will pick me up right here in the morning to take me into Abel Tasman National Park.  Once I’m on the bus in the morning I will not have service until I get out on Friday.  There’s only one day of rain forecasted, and fingers crossed it’s only the one day.  Stay tuned for some great photos in a few days.  😊😊😊

Day 37&38 - Christchurch

 I had one rest day where I was planning where to go hiking, or tramping as they say in NZ.  I figured out that I would go to Abel Tasman national park and go for a walk on the coast….similar to West Coast Trail, except shorter, less concerns about the tides….and no ladders!!!!  I had to book a bus from Christchurch to Nelson, that’s a 10 hour ride.  Then the next morning a bus to get to the park.  I have a hut booked for the first night which is good as it will be raining that day.  The next two nights I’ll be tenting….so hopefully it won’t be raining.  Then I’ll take the water taxi back to the start….a bus back to Nelson in the afternoon.  The following morning a bus back to Christchurch.  Sounds like a lot of logistics….but it’s not so bad.  

Yesterday it was threatening to rain all day, but it held off.  We went for a little hike in the hills behind their house.  Many people were out….it was a nice cool day.  Beautiful views…and I had the opportunity to finally try out a cheese roll!!!  Great two days.