I am tired, and in Nelson.

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Got here around two hours ago, was very tired and grumpy from coach journey and last night, however the hostel is really nice, and we're here for 2 nights, so actually get chance to get unpacked and had a shower before coming into town to buy new flip flops (very annoyed have left mine in river valley) but actually worked out OK as the nice lady in the shop gave me a replacement man-bag as mine is now knackered. Yes. My new flip flops are brown.

Came into internet place to update this, and am now going to have roast dinner and apple crumble for a fiver, then one glass of wine, and go to bed very very early in my nice clean sheets. Sweet. Tomorrow am up at 7 to go on a trip around Abel Tasman national park, which is supposed to be incredible, then another early night is pencilled in, as I think we have a bus party the following night. Still surrounded by gap year people which is getting quite tiring as they all have far too much energy, so may see if I can find a bus with some boring grumpy people soon so I feel more at home.

Later----

Did indeed have roast dinner, was pretty good really. Then had a glass of red wine, sat outside and chatted for a bit, before bed at about half ten, which was sensational.

Got the bus up to the Abel Tasman national park, and then a water taxi to where we were to start the walk, and saw some seals.

walk wasn't the best, but am now comparing everything to the one in Taupo, which was ridiculous.

Beach we arrived at was really good though, proper white sandy shallow job. Played some frisbee. None of the boys had brought water. Again. On returning from the beach ended up stumbling across the Grumpy Moose pub, which looked pretty good, so accidentally went in for a few, until dinner time when we discovered a renowned burger place was just down the road, so a cheap nutritious chicken deluxe burger later we headed back to the hostel for a beer and another early night. Result.

Next day was a half eight on the bus job, on our way to Westport, home of the Buller Gorge, with our first stop being a place called Richmond for supplies for lunch, and a new book (finished old one, was very good), choice this time being The Kite Runner. Next up was a really big (very very cold) lake in Nelson national park, which we had a little swim in, before heading to Westport.

This afternoons activity was jt boating (essentially a very fast speedboat that works on water jets so can go in water 10cm deep, and do big 360 spins which are fun). Really enjoyed it, the gorge was really pretty and we got over an hour on the water going really fast.

Retired to the hostel for beans on toast and a sensationally early night (I love early nights). Brilliant sleep, which meant lots of time for relaxed breakfast, shower etc before bus, this time on the way to Lake Mahinapua.

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Comments

[Auntie Maggie]

flip flops
Glad you have sorted flip flops. Try not to leave your things lying around in the great outdoors. This is exciting getting your news like this. Am off to work now. An exciting lesson on the environment with year 10 and little year 7s to follow. All very civilised and pleasant in the leafy suburbs. Take care and sending lots of love x