Nelson – 11-12th May

Trina and I spent Friday working from home until 5pm when we let ourselves out for a walk at sunset. It was hard to capture the beauty of the evening colours as we looked over Nelson and over towards Motueka and other places we’ve visited in the past. So good to be back in Nelson.

Billy is a such a toddler. He was quiet for a moment and had found his way into my room and found Alaok. Alaok was being held to ransom under David and Trina's bed. Fortunately, Trina was able to rescue him before he was beheaded!

My brother David, was lucky to get out on his flight from Auckland to Nelson due to fog in Auckland. He was on his way back from a work trip to Canada and Seattle. A clear and sunny morning in Nelson was perfect for exploring the market, lazing about chatting about all our recent adventures. David and I did a wine tasting (and purchase) at Casa del vino. Smith and Seth Pyramid Valley wines were on tasting. My favorties were the Riesling and the cabernet franc. Steve Smith set up Craggy Range wines– a label we enjoy. I chose a Craggy Range Pinot Gris to try.

Together we tramped up the Kahikatea and down the Mahoe track in the Grampians and DJ pointed out the mountain-bike tracks across in the distance. Meanwhile, David McAdam called to say he was arriving in Broome after a week on the road. I was so pleased to hear he was there with Donna and Bryce to look after him until I arrive next week.

Under Trina’s supervision, we all helped prepare a delicious roast chicken dinner followed by cheese we’d bought at the market earlier. Rose and Pinto gris were the wines of the night. I slept very well.

Sunday morning, we woke up to rain in Nelson. This interfered with our plans for another walk as well as taking Billy to the beach. We have tried to time our outdoor activities between showers of rain. We made a special facetime Happy Mother’s Day call from the beach.