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Published: January 15th 2011
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After leaving the glacier we headed north along the west coast of the South Island stopping at Greymouth and then Westport. Our overnight at Greymouth was right on the beach, beautiful sunset to enjoy. At Westport we took a short hike to a fur seal colony on rocky outcroppings. Babies born in November so got to see some young seals as well as adults. Ate lunch at a wonderful seaside cafe and then took another short walk to an old lighthouse.
We then headed inland going through Murchison and then heading north to the Nelson area. Our stay at Murchison was just for one night. Huge yellow jackets swarmed our RV (guess they liked the bright green) so didn't even sit outside. Took a short hike the following day up the mountain to see some the massive boulders moved by the 1929 earthquake in the area. Bees not bad in the woods. Headed on to the Nelson Lakes area with plans to eat lunch by one of the lakes and then do some short hikes before moving on. Parked the RV and opened the back door to start fixing lunch. We were swarmed with yellow jackets and a cloud of
Wonderful lunch!
Salt and pepper squid served on mesclun greens with peanut ginger vinaigrette. small black bugs. Quickly closed up, ate in the van andd moved on.
Arrived in Mapau, a small beach town near Nelson where we spent the night. Planned to enjoy some beach time, but signs all over the campground about the bluebottle jellyfish in the bay which sting if stepped on. Don't think they do more than give a mild sting, but decided not to risk it. Moved to a wonderful campground in Nelson for a day. Campground is on the edge of a bird sanctuary in a lovely wooded area. Took a great hike up the mountain along Brook Stream to the old dam on the river. Great hike. Spent the rest of the day walking to McDonald's for free wi-fi (7.4 mile RT) and enjoyed the shops in the downtown area of Nelson. We are now on the ferry headed to the North Island. We have 11 days left in NZ and will spend it seeing the sights on the North Island. Have met numerous people along the way who have given us tips on things we must see on the North Island. Will need to plan our time carefully so we can fit it all in.
Have been trying to keep up on the news about the floods in the Brisbane, Australia area since we fly into Brisbane when we leave here. Not sure if we will be able to head north to Cairns as planned because of the severe flooding. May need to go south to Sidney instead. They have been having fires in western Australia so don't know how that will affect David and Paige's plan to take the train west after I head for home. This blog message sounds like a combination weather and entomology report, but that is part of the adventure. Weather has been good for us. Some cool days and several fairly hot ones. No rain.
NZ Tidbit: If you were suddenly dropped into this country and saw signs for roads, towns, etc. you would think you were in Hawaii. Very strong Maori roots reflected in the naming of most places.
Talk to you soon from the North Island.
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