The start of our Christmas holiday

Saturday 23^rd December

We are sitting by a fridge that sounds like a strong wind is blowing around the corner of our little cottage. Bellbird Bach is located somewhere south of Motueka on the West Bank Road.  We have no idea how far away Motueka could be 10 minutes or 45 minutes.  We didn’t arrive that way.  We drove along a back road which we were thinking of cycling tomorrow but have changed our minds.  It is 10 km of gravel, narrow windy corners - we can just imagine a few flat tyres and a few unexpected cars blinding us and filling our mouths with dust.  Not enjoyable.  We also thought it might be quicker than state highway 60 but we were wrong.  We arrived to the singing of bell birds, hot and tired with our bikes and car covered in dust.  I was reminded of the times as a young child my father drove over many a gravel road.  Not only would the car be covered in dust, but so too would our food, clothes and christmas presents that lay in the suitcases. We will drive over to Spooners tunnel via Motueka tomorrow - lesson learnt.

Our journey started this morning on board the Interislander at 8.00 am.  It was the first day of our holiday and we woke to the alarm – a definite no-no for a holiday – but essential as we were very tired and thought we would sleep through the early morning chorus of birds and the few shift workers that rev their cars outside our bedroom window.

The sea was calm – no need for those ginger tablets after all.  We sat outside for a while munching on our picnic morning tea, ventured inside for a coffee and then back outside as the Sounds came into view.  A magical part of our country. 

After leaving the boat we detoured from the trail of traffic that leaves Picton after each ferry arrival and drove along the Queen Charlotte Sound road to Havelock.  A picturesque road through bush and farm land with some lovely views looking down the sounds and across to little islands that dot the sea.  Havelock Bakery sold us some salmon quiche, kumara salad and a chocolate custard square which we ate by the car park at the Marina.

In Nelson we eventually found a supermarket - how can you get lost in Nelson?  "Old phones" I can hear Harry say "We bought them in 2014 and there have been a few developments".  I tend to agree with them, but still come from that generation of when I buy something I expect it to last (so does Harry by the way).  Move with the times, Denise.  With Christmas we filled the fridge with lots of yummies (barbeque food and a few treats).  Down that gravel road to our digs.  Cute, rustic cottage high above the river.  Sitting on the deck cooking our barbeque and watching the tui and bell birds peck at the flax flowers.  What a way to start our the holiday.