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Published: February 3rd 2005
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Doesn't have quite the same ring to it as the Gerry and the Pacemakers number but the having sailed across both I can say that this one wins hands down.
It was an early crossing so we had to be at the port for 7am, the boat left at 8am and it was so foggy that we didn't hit top speed for a while, the crossing took about 20 minutes longer than expected and we docked in Picton at 10:35.
The views from the ferry were amazing and it was roasting when we landed so a quick change into our shorts and we were ready for the 2 hour drive to Nelson. Picton looks nice and we're back here in a couple of weeks so took the opportunity to nosey about a couple of hostels then booked the Villa for our stay.
During the quick clothes change at the side of the road I managed to knacker the other zip on my rucksack (the other one got broken in Hawaii). So now I have a bag that won't close. Andrew assures me he will fix it soon!
After getting of the ferry Frank started making some noises
Down into the valleys
there is something quite comforting about this picture but I just can't put my finger of them. which made us both feel uneasy, especially after some guy told us recently that his rental car blew up in smoke half way through his road trip.
We managed to find a branch of the car rental company in Picton and were sent of to the local mechanic to get Frank checked over. Now just to get things straight I have not driven Frank yet so, although I do have a bad track record of damaging cars, this time it's definately not my fault!
The mechanic had little in the way of social skills, and insisted that he did not need to hear the noise the car was making or have a proper look underneath. He had a quick peep under the car and diagnosed Frank with a 'bent exhaust' he presumsed the injury had most likely taken place on the ferry and sent us round to the local car hospital to have him seen to. He instructed Andrew to ask for 'Jack'.
We went round the corner and Andrew asked two guys if one of them was Jack, they both laughed and replied 'we are both Jack' contrary to other evidence located on their name badges.
Nelson
in it's summer glory, this place reminds me of Dundee, not sure why. Andrew lickened the situation to being asked to go and find some 'tartan paint'!
Anyway 5 minutes later it turns out the first mechanic who insisted he did not need to take Frank for a drive had misdiagnosed him. The new diagnosis was that (in simple terms) the metal covering between the fuel tank and the exhaust pipe was bent. This was quickly treated and we were back on the road again.
The drive was fine for the first hour then got so windy it wasn't great. I felt sick as usual and even Andrew complained of feeling a little dizzy going round all those sharp bends.
We got into Nelson around half one and managed to locate our accomodation 'The Shortbread Cottage' fairly quickly. It's a lovely small hostel with a homely feel and the few other folk staying there are very friendly. The main attraction of this accomodation is the free 'homemade' shortbread distributed at 6pm every day. Andrew and I are dubious about the claim that it is 'homemade' but will happily eat away anyway.
After checking in and eating some shortbread we went for a wander around the main streets of Nelson. It was really hot. After deciding yesterday that we had been eating too much we vowed to be healthy from now on and bought some salad for tea from the local supermarket.
Back at the hostel we ate salad and chatted to folk before retyring to bed earlyish after a long day. We both had a good night's sleep but I woke in the morning with some very itchy 'sandfly' bites. I'm not good, not good at all with insects and flies so from now on I WILL be wearing the mosquito net all the time - should make for some interesting pictures.
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anonymous
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hey you guys
Hiya you guys, I haven't noticed anyone else write a comment, so i thought i'd be the 1st to do so just in case. Your trip looks AMAZING!! I hope money's not getting tight yet. I will send an email soon, Fi xxxx - Fiona Mck