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Published: August 5th 2010
That's probably because it's4am and I've been dancing my merry way back from the pub!
Ah, got to love this life really!
It was Charlottes leaving do today, she has to go back to start Uni in September (is 24 too young to start feeling old???). Everyone is leaving town... and like a rat on a ship I'm joining them... Trust me to hit the worst season for years (word to the wise, never holiday with the Bewicks) last weekend it poured down. Not just in town but also on the mountains. It's reduced the ski field to slush, which isn't easy to ski on. Add that to the rediculous looking face eczema it's all adding up to being time to leave.
Ah well, I came, I saw, I fell over (skiing). Had a good time but now it's on to bigger and warmer things - bring on the vineyards!
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dad
non-member comment
Leaving
Hi Sophie Hope the skin is improving and the snow is falling again. You asked about routes and stop offs on your way to Nelson/Picton. The drive to Christchurch is a bit boring after Wanaka, but Christchurch itself is a larger and much more dare I say it European (well to be frank English) town. Lots of bars and very pretty (well it was in the summer). The route from Christchurch to Picton along the coast is memorable, great coastline (where the whales are) and then beautiful vineyard country. You end up in Picton at the head of the maginificent Marlborough Sounds, my personal favourite in all of NZ. The alternative route follows the Hass pass, then the glacier fileds with some of the most stunning scenery in the world along the western highway up to Greymouth (where the Monfieth brewery is). It is a small stopping off place and not memorable other than being at the western edge of the Trans Alpine railway to Christchurch. The route to Nelson is spectacular through deep gorges and stunning mountains. Nelson leads to the Abel Tamsan area, and if you go west enough the one place I regret missing out on, Golden Bay (though if you go they say it is difficult to leave many have stayed and dropped out!) A compromise would be to drive to Greymouth then train across to Christchurch, then follow the road to Picton, via Blenheim (where the vineyards are centered in Marlborough). Do try the Green lipped mussels in Picton. It all depends on how much time you have and if you could then fit in a trip to Nelson and the Abel Tamsan way. If not the Queen Charlotte way is better anyway, and you could treat yourself to a night at Ferneigh Lodge (I will treat you if you wish), a gorgeous isolated hotel with an excellent bar. If that doesn't persuade you the wine will. The wines of Marlborough are much better than those in the Nelson area. Try a Gewurztraminer for a change,or a Pinot Noir, rather than the traditional sav blanc's. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Anyway speak soon and just to cheer you up we have just had one of the wettest July's on record in the North. xxx dad