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Published: February 14th 2010
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10/13/2010
Windswept in Wellington
We had an early tour today in Wellington New Zealand. While waiting in the lounge for it to be called we heard someone radio to the Shore Excursion people that the Princess ship was canceling the port. It was strange since we were looking at the ship out the windows. They ran over to watch as it went right by us. Apparently it was too windy for them to get to the dock. Well windy was right as we found out on our way down gangplank. We had to laugh later in the day when we went back and read the paragraph on Wellington in the Daily Program and it said Windy Wellington was the nickname of the town.
Our tour was called Wellington Harbor and Storm Coast. The bus headed out thru town and then along the coast to see the houses high on the hills. Some of them even have their own private cable cars to get up to them since there are no streets that high. We continued along the coast thru a National Park area that is unpaved roads and apparently they only allow 6 buses a day and no private
vehicles in the area. We stopped a few times for photos and nearly got blown away. The driver told John to watch his glasses (he’d already taken off his hat) and he realized what they meant very quickly so nothing lost. The winds were about 60 mph. We stopped at Pencarrow Station which is a private farm with a reception building that has spectacular views. They rent it out for weddings etc and there’s even a single building further out they call the Love Shack that’s included. The guests are brought by carriage and the bride by helicopter. I love Helicopter tours but not sure I’d want to fly one in the wind they had today.
They provided tea with some interesting sandwiches (liverworst, asparagus, and egg salad) and some really good cookies and chocolate caramel bars. We then had a demonstration on sheep dogs, both types. One is trained to steel sheep by being quiet and bringing the sheep to you. The other is trained to move the sheep away (i.e. like down the hills to be sheared) by barking. The non-barking one was part collie which we thought was funny since obviously Buddy would have to be
the barking type.
We arrived back at the ship in time for lunch and then trivia. We were joined by the couple from London again and two women we’ve eaten with earlier. But we didn’t do that well today only getting 9 points and the winners had 12. But the booby prize went to a team with only 6 points so not too bad.
We headed up to the Dining Room for dinner and were seated with 2 other couples and one of the women we’d eaten with earlier in the week. It was a bit odd since one couple was just finishing their appetizers and the others were just getting theirs while we looking at the menu. Since I didn’t order any appetizers they brought my main course of beef tenderloin with John’s crab cakes. I do eat slower so it worked out ok that way. Actually we all ended up ordering dessert at the same time. Not sure how the waiter kept it all straight though.
We then headed to the show with a local singer named Peter Paki who did mostly Polynesian music. He was pretty good. The women from our dinner table ended
up being in one of the audience participation bits (hula dancing). The other one was a Mauri dance with a father and young son.
We then headed to the casino to try and make up for it not being open the night before. No luck for me as the Movie machine from the other night was very cold as was the other machine I tried. John made out much better in Blackjack except for his last hand.
All in all another great day in New Zealand. Tomorrow we have an easy day in Napier since we haven’t booked any tours.
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Beth
non-member comment
GLAD YOU ARE ENJOYING YOUR TRIP
Sorry about not BLOGGING- Been very busy. Between trying to paint RON'S fence and BETH, no time. Can't wait for you to come HOME.. Your MOM misses your DEARLY!!! Loves you and Sharon. Hopes you continue to enjoy your trip. Keep calling it's the highlight of her day. Has also named the TWO wild cat's in your back yard-TIGER and TRACY- I hope their not both BOY"S. Ron's still not Home, maybe today. Made a welcome home dinner for him last night- but I guess Beth and I enjoyed it for him...Keep cruising and win in the casino for me!!!!