Carissa Marie

Leaving Kaikoura we hopped back on the ferry for the sailing up to the north island. The seas were quite rocky and the boat was bouncing all around. Fortunately we were both pretty tired and slept a good portion of the trip so we were hungry by the time we arrived in Wellington. The restaurant we really wanted to eat at was closed (being a Sunday and all) so we just looked for what was close to the hotel since it was raining pretty good. We found that Shed 5 was pretty close by and headed out to try it. Wow! This was one of our best meals in NZ! I had scallops with blue cheese risotto and tempora pea pods, Mike had grilled snapper with calamari hoods, chirizo, and olive gnocchi. They were both incredible. ... read more

As we’ve come to expect in Franz, we woke to a strong downpour that had been going on for hours. Seriously, this rain falls straight down in huge drops at massive volumes. The cottage is literally loud with sound of the rain. We packed up our things and wetly loaded the car for our drive to Queenstown. On checking out of the cottage we got word that highway 6, the main highway, is closed in both directions. Silly Americans that we are, expecting back roads and alternate route options asked about other ways to get there only to be told that there is only one way in and one way out of Franz (and Queenstown for that matter). After gassing up the car and looking on the internet for official word on road closures (which doesn’t ... read more

Rolling into Nelson following the directions from our website to our lodging we make our way to a one lane road going up a hill so steep it requires a series of switchbacks to climb it. Pulling up to what appears to be the main house we meet Sue, our host at Harris Hill Cottages. She points us to our cottage and we are simply blown away. The cottage sits upon the hill looking over the sea out front, the city off to the left and mountains along the back. The views are breathtaking. The cottage itself is perfect - two walls are windows, great big porch off the front that can be closed in, kitchen, living area, bedroom area and bathroom with laundry. The hills are lush and green, the waters blue green…like a postcard. ... read more

After days of stressing over the incoming winter storm I made the decision to get out of WI early and head to LAX. Of course, that means I needed to spend an unplanned night in LA (thank you Marriott points). Mike managed to leave Reno a day early too and join me for a day of hanging out and enjoying the Los Angeles sunshine. The day coming to an end just puts us that much closer to our flight. We made our way to the airport and are chillin' in the SkyClub at the airport for a few hours until our flight leaves...oh, did I mention free booze in the club? With toasts to vacation and toast to the holidays, we're managing to pass the time just fine. Have a very Merry Christmas!... read more