Friday 19th

Yesterday, Thursday 18th, Rosemary had a board meeting to attend with two participants in Australia, two in the UK and the LLW in France; such is business in this technology age.

Ray was sent off on his own to cycle to Ars en Re and back a round trip of 16 miles. Not only was this to be accomplished on a manual bike but on a fairly ropey one which has reminded us that whilst it often seems a good idea to rent rather that take our own bikes, rental bikes are often rather poor quality and not as well maintained as our own bikes. This is indeed the case with our bikes on the Ile de Re but the island is flat with very few hills (OK more like mole hills) but the wind can be quite strong, straight from the Atlantic Ocean and large numbers of recreational cyclists often undertake extraordinary manoeuvres. 

Ars en Re was really quiet which is rare and Rosemary’s favourite patisserie had hardly woken up

The ride back to Le Bois Plage was quite tough with a head wind, aching muscles and no electrical assistance!

Another swim in the sea and dinner in our patio area which has worked out perfectly. We always seem to be able to find some shade which at this time of year is quite remarkable.

Friday 20th was yet again hot and sunny and the management committee decided unanimously that e-bikes were needed today. There was a heated discussion about whether or not to attempt the ride to Les Portes en Re and back but one member decided that coffee and cakes at her favourite coffee shop took precedence. Not only were the cakes Rum Babas but two extra sachets of rum were provided to drizzle overe both. I'm not sure what the drink cycling limit is in France but we might have been borderline and our AlcoSense testing kits had been left in the car

We cycled back along the north eastern side of the island which was quite busy and in places the cycle track is narrow. Another swim in a sea which seems to get a little rougher every day but is still very enjoyable

We had booked at a restaurant on the outskirts of Le Bois Plage for dinner. L'Aile de Re has a good reputation and we have looked at it several times but never eaten there. It is sited next to a windmill as close to St Martin de Re as it is to Le Bois Plage. The X3 was taken out of its parking compound for the first time since we arrived on the island to drive the short distance to thge restaurant. Ray had spectacularly good oysters followed by something totally new to him - mussels smoked on the BBQ which were excellent.

The LLW had prawns and mango in a dressing as a starter and for the main course had pluma de cochon which is apparently the end of the loin and is highly prized.  She rated them as good but not super good but liked the restaurant generally and the atmosphere. The LLW fancies a new career as a restaurant critic in addition to current career paths!!

Wednesday 17th

Yesterday we had our first cycle ride on the island, riding from Le Bois Plage to Loix which was about 11 miles return and was Ray’s longest ride on a manual bike since the Achilles affair of December 2025. All went well and was helped considerable by a coffee and cakes stop at one of Rosemary’s favourite cafes in the centre of Loix. The Ile de Re is a relatively small island being about 20 miles long and 2/3 miles wide but cycling is complicated by the large number of salt flats covering a fair amount of the island as you will see from the map below.

We were struck by the very significant increase in e-bikes on the island which is generally very flat and probably e-bikes now outnumber manual bikes. Whilst the island is not that busy with visitors there are a lot of cyclists and evidence of grandparents on e-bikes, probably day trips from La Rochelle,  looking after grandchildren.

The leg muscles needed a short rest when we returned to our apartment before we headed down the nearby beach, La Plage de la Gollandiers for our first swim in the sea. It was lovely; the beach was very quiet and the sea really warm but with some strong waves.

Back to the apartment for a dinner of quiches, cheeses and a baguette followed by a walk along the seafront in glorious evening sunshine. A lovely day!

Tuesday 16th June

Yesterday we docked on time at Ouistreham but there was an hour delay getting through customs and passport control. Nothing to do with EES as there was no attempt to use facial recognition or fingerprint checking. The upshot was that having expected to leave the port at 07:30, it was 08:30 before we left.

Eventually we were on our way and after heavy traffic around Caen we were soon paying the tolls and making very good progress down the autoroute network. For the first part of the journey Rosemary joined a Stafford Board meeting via MS teams, which worked perfectly until close to the end when she was unceremoniously ejected as someone had put s time limit on the meeting and when it overran nobody told Microsoft!

The intention had been to stop at a service station near Alencon for the meeting but the delay at the port of Ouistreham put an end to that 

Soon after the meeting ended we did have a pit stop to change drivers and to purchase coffee and croissants. After we left the autoroute network there was some heavy traffic but no delays and about 14:00 we were crossing to the Ile de Re on the bridge from La Rochelle. 

Upon arrival at our destination of Les Bois Flottais in Le. Bois Plage en Re we discovered we were a few minutes early before reception opened for the afternoon. However, we soon had the keys to our apartment and everything was unloaded from the X3. We have stayed at this hotel 2 or 3 times before but this is the first time we have booked the apartment or studio as they refer to it. It is very nice and perfect for our needs

Having settled in to the apartment we visited the local Carrefour and purchased the immediate necessities before resting in our small but perfectly formed garden.

A walk down to the beach, which was quite busy since it had reached 35C today, and it was time for dinner at our residence.

B

Sunday 14th May -off to the Ile de Re

Tonight we take the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to  Ouistreham (Caen) and it is due in port at 07:00 French time on Monday. We have used this route on many occasions and we are usually on the Il de Re by early afternoon. The French motorways are very quiet and as long as we are prepared to pay the tolls progress is normally quick. 

Today is also the day for Amberley Open Gardens where local resident open their gardens for visitors to view and to raise money for a charity Action Medical research. It is a biennial event and is always hugely popular and this year even more so as the organisers publicised it widely.

Going Home

We had to vacate the apartment by 10:00 so were up fairly early to tidy up, get the luggage etc down the 27 steps and to load the bikes on the bike carrier. Loading the bikes takes a while since they weigh 25kg+ each and have to be well secured before starting off. 

We had arranged to meet our very good friend Jane Maxwell for lunch at the Chesil Rectory in Winchester. Those of you who know Winchester will be aware that parking is not easy and is tightly regulated. The nearest car park to the Chesil Rectory is a multi storey and Ray definitely did not like the idea of negotiating its narrow bays and sharp turns with 2 bikes on the back of the X3! A decision was taken to use the "Park & Ride" to the east of Winchester and this worked well.

As we were ahead of schedule, we took the bus into the centre, had a coffee and cake and then took the opportunity to visit M&S where Jane had a similar idea and we met with her at the checkout.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Chesil Rectory which is a very traditional restaurant and all the better for it! Jane dropped us off and the Park & Ride and of we drove to Rackham where we arrived home at 15:45. Overall a very enjoyable weekend and Ray was delighted with his cycling progress

Sunday 10th Sunshine and ponies

Sunday lived up to its name and we set off on our bikes to explore more of the New Forest. The first section was quite hilly and the LLW had a quiet complain that e-bikes would not do all of the work!

We cycled through Hungerford, Hyde and Frogham before turning south back to South Gorley and New Town where we visited Hockey's Farm Shop which was a hive of activity. We enjoyed coffee and cakes whilst lots of children were entertained in the menagerie and aviaries. 

Eventually we ended back at our local, The Royal Oak, where we sat outside in the warm sunshine and enjoyed watching the ponies graze.

Time to head back to our apartment and put our feet up for a while. Ray was very happy with his progress in cycling since this was by far the longest distance he has cycled since late August 2025.

Both exploring on our e-bikes

Saturday 9th May, was very sunny and warm and after a good breakfast of boiled eggs and coffee we both set off on our e-bikes. The plan was firstly to head north into Fordingbridge to have a look around and to acquire a couple of items needed. As with so many towns now, Fordingbridge is looking a bit sad with lots of shops closed. Nevertheless, it was quite busy.

Having bought the few items needed we cycled south along a lovely country lane and arrived at an area of lakes on both sides of the road. We stopped at a bird hide, occupied by two avid bird watchers with very fancy binoculars and telescopic camera lenses! I spotted, tufted ducks, shell ducks, mallards and the ubiquitous coots but overall it was relatively quiet.

On the way back we stopped at a farm shop and the LLW decided that sausage rolls were required. A local pub beckoned and we ate our sausage rolls in the garden and enjoying the lovely warm sunshine.

By now we were both feeling tired, Ray because this is by far the furthest he has cycled since the Achilles episode and Rosemary has also done very little cycling recently.

Ray was keen to watch the ladies Rugby with England playing Italy in Parma. A comfortable win for the red roses but Ray was of the opinion that improvement is needed if England are to beat the French next weekend.

Arrived at Bickton Mill

On Friday 8th May, we had a very straightforward journey from Rackham to Ringwood but finding the local Waitrose was a little tricky! However, having found it the parking was even trickier. Parking with two e-bikes on the back of the car is never easy but this Waitrose car park was quite small and very narrow in places. Having sorted that out, the LLW headed off to the store to obtain the requirements for the weekend.

The journey to Bickton mill was short and very easy so in no time we were parked outside our appartment block.

We knew that there were 27 steps up to the apartment and this required 3 ups and downs to offload all that was needed.

The bikes were taken off, the carrier stowed in the boot, the bikes parked in a garage belonging to our apartment and we were soon enjoying a cup of tea and doughnuts!

Ray decided to go for a short ride and was surprised to discover that the New Forest National Park started on the eastern side of the A338 which runs north from Ringwood to Fordingbridge and beyond to Salisbury. Having crossed the main road it was immediately easy and quiet country cycling only interrupted by a few cattle and rather more New Forest ponies. It was a beautiful evening and the countryside looked stunning.

Back at Bickton Mill, Ray was stunned that instead of showing calories expended, his bike computer, showed a message saying "do you realise that was less than half a doughnut".

There was no alternative but to head back up the stairs and open a bottle of red!

Bickton Mill

As you may recall we are members of Holiday Property Bond (HPB) and they have a tenancy programme in addition to the properties they own. We liked the look of a new addition to the tenancy programme which is in a converted water mill on the Hampshire Avon, named Bickton Mill so Ray booked it tout de suite!

We are off there for a 3 night stay on Friday 8th May and taking our e-bikes. This is the first real cycling  test of Ray's repaired Achilles tendon so we will take it gently.

The site is south of Fordingbridge and north of Ringwood and is very close to the New Forest National park.

Tuesday 31st: Gisborne

 The two nights in Hastings proved to be a big success. The sun shone most of the time, its was warm and no rain in sight.

Ray had a good ride through the vineyards and even managed a couple of short but steep hills.

The weather and traffic updates were consulted and it seems that the worst of the weather has now moved to Northland. The decision was taken to drive further north up the east coast and we have booked for two nights in Gisborne, or Gizzie to the locals. The drive was slow in parts with some windy roads up and down mountains. We stopped in Wairoa for our customary flat whites. It was unusual as there seemed to be a total absence of tourists, apart from us.

We settled in to our sea front camp site and whilst fairly cloudy, it is very warm. Ray went off for a cycle ride and found the statue to Captain Cook who made his first landfall in NZ at Gizzie. Ray was also instructed to check out the propose dinner venue - an Indian restaurant named Bollywood Star.

The restaurant was pronounced suitable and we had a walk along the seafront before enjoying a very good meal. The LLW was particularly impressed by the Okra and Peshawari Naan

We will continue to review the traffic and weather updates but currently plan to spend another 6/7 days south of Auckland before making the journey to Northland.

Sunday 29th: Hastings - a Monsoon!

 It was certainly a good idea to have a cycle ride on Friday as it started raining shortly after I returned to the camp site. This was not any rain, it was sub tropical rain and we heard about the flooding in Auckland, and  realised that this was coming our way. I'm sure you will all have seen the reports of the dreadful flooding in Auckland but the rainfall was quite extraordinary. They experienced 26.7 cm (10.5 inches in old money) of rain in 24 hours which is the highest quantity ever experienced in NZ. This is even more extraordinary since parts of Fjordland (around Te Anau and Manapouri on the west coast of the south island are amongst the wettest places on earth.

To put it in context with West Sussex, Amberley's wettest month is November and the average rainfall for November is 11cm or 4.3 inches. Auckland experienced 2.5 times that amount in one day.

Very sadly lives have been lost and a national emergency has been declared.

There was no alternative but to hunker down and we were, and are, very comfortable in our Motor Home. Hawkes Bay is known to have the best overall climate in NZ so I guess we are in a good place. It rained, rained and rained - not just torrential but monsoon like. The biggest issue was that the camp site was becoming waterlogged and Ray was becoming concerned about our ability to drive the Motor Home out.

Regular checks were made on the weather, and the roads, and we concluded that it was sensible to stay a few more days in the area. However, we decided to move to another site in Hastings 20 minutes south of Napier where there is a good site in parklands and which is very close to the centre and therefore all of the facilities. Our site north of Napier is a good one, but it is very close to the beach and exposed to Pacific weather.

Ray studied the forecast and rain was predicted to stop around 3 am with a much brighter morning. The decision was taken to leave about 09:30 which would have given a few hours for water to drain away. When awoke, we were very surprised at how much had drained away and getting out looked promising.

After extensive consultation with some charming and very helpful Maori ladies, it was decided that the best option was to reverse out across 30/40 feet of fairly waterlogged grass. Ray had little choice but to agree to execute the plan and the LLW joined the Maori ladies in pointing and shouting as the 8M long and very heavy Motor Home lumbered backwards. Miraculously it worked and Cara was soon on terra firma. We waved goodbye to our new found Maori friends and tentatively headed out on the the Napier/Hastings expressway to travel the few miles south.  We had heard horror stories about the state of the roads but this particular road was in excellent condition, in spite of considerable flooding in the fields to either side, it was clear of water apart from one roundabout which had one lane closed.

In no time at all we were in Hastings and first port of call was Countdown to stock up for a day or so. The restocking was quickly completed and dinner tonight is roast chicken with a very nice pinot noir. The camp site was only 5 minutes away and as you can see it looks very serene. We had a short cycle ride through the park and are now settled down with an aperitif.

I will report tomorrow on the weather outlook and what our plans are next!

Friday 27th: Napier

Yesterday we left Martinborough for the 150 mile journey to Napier and whilst comparatively lengthy it was probably the easiest day's drive we have had so far in NZ. Very little in the way of steep, windy ascents and descents and plenty of long straight roads through lush farming territory. The biggest problem we faced en route was to find a parking space for the Motor Home at Pahiatua where we decided to stop for coffee. The LLW pronounced that, parking in an angled bay to the road, we were just far enough off the road to meet with her exacting standards. Pahiatua is a reasonably sized town, but is quite remote, and we were intrigued to discover that the coffee shop is run by Thai people who have clearly perfected NZ flat whites.

When we approached Napier we took a short detour to Hastings and Havelock North where on our last visit to the area in 2011, we were greeted by fabulous displays of Agapanthus and Jacaranda trees.  Sadly, on this occasion, the Agatha's were past their best and there was no sign of a single Jacaranda in bloom. Ray checked his photo archive and when we visited in 2011, it was also in January but about 2 weeks earlier. For the record, the photo below is one taken in 2011.

Before we located our camp site we stopped at New World in Napier to replenish our larder. The overnight stop is the Top 10 camp site at Bay View just to the north of Napier and toute de suite the BBQ was in action for some Italian style sausages accompanied by excellent Hawke's Bay Merlot.

The next morning the weather was clearly deteriorating and whilst still warm 22/23C it was clear that rain is on the way. Consequently Ray decided on a ride straight after breakfast and to cycle to Napier and back (~15 miles). Shortly after leaving the camp site, Ray encountered a fellow cyclist who stopped and asked where he was going. We are both travelling in the same direction for a few miles so became cycling buddies for that time. His name is Rob and he is a retired builder riding an e mountain bike. Born in NZ his father's family were from Norway and Sweden and his mother's from Scotland and England. We spent a pleasant ~20 minutes together until he headed off to a suburb of Napier to check on a building site for a friend, and to assess if tarpaulins were needed to protect it from the forecast rain.

The map below was photographed from out side the i-Site (tourist information offices) in Napier and shows the route as part of the Hawkes Bay cycling network.

The route went along the seafront and then via marinas and the main port of Napier around Bluff Hill and then south to the centre of Napier which is know as the Art Deco capital since it was rebuilt in that style following an awful earthquake in 1930.

Ray watched the world go by for a few minutes before starting the ride back to the camp site. This was much harder, since the wind had freshened, was now a northerly and therefore a headwind for most of the return journey. As I cycled past the marina there was a sailing class under way with lots of children in Optimists which are seen all over the world.

When I reached the camp site the LLW decided it was coffee time and had discovered that there was a cafe onsite - perfect!.

Given the forecast we decided to spend the afternoon doing some chores and catching up with admin. Not very exciting but necessary when away for 9 weeks.

Wednesday 25th: Martinborough

After three days in edgy and buzzy Welly, it was nice to arrive in Martinborough which is a quiet but very pleasant wine town. On the way we negotiated the tricky Rimutaka pass on route 2 which leads to the small town of Featherstone. We have memories of driving over this pass one New Year's day when there were gale force winds, horizontal rain and the motor home at that time shook violently as we turned each corner. It was quiet eerie as there was hardly any other traffic on the road that day and we felt very isolated. None of that weather this year but it is still quite a hard drive.

Martinborough has lovely and very safe cycling territory so Ray was happy to potter around the lanes and vineyards. 

There was a very exciting event today when Ray attended a 2 hour Governor Support training session, via Zoom, run by the LA starting at 07:00 NZ time on Wednesday 25th which was 18:00 UK time on Tuesday 24th. The technology performed faultlessly and afterwards there was an even more exciting event as NUFC played Southampton in the first leg of the League Cup semi final. In a tight game the Magpies scored late in the game and once again kept a clean sheet so a 1-0 advantage is taken to the return leg at St James' Park on 31st January.

Afterwards we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Poppies vineyard which we think is new since our last visit to Martinborough. Poppies seems to have cornered the market in vineyard lunches, it was very busy on all three days we have been here and we needed to book. We cycled there and back but the LLW was insistent that we take the shortest route and particularly on the way back after Ray was allowed two glasses of Pinot Noir.

Tomorrow we start heading north again and the current plan is to stay for a couple of nights at Napier on the east coast. It is a fairly long drive and expected to take ~ 4 hours 

Sunday 22nd: Wellington

Uber proved to be very efficient and inexpensive for the trip into, and back from, Wellington on Saturday. They offered various options including the use of an electric scooter which did not appeal to the LLW. We had a good wander around the city and experienced why Wellington is known as the windy city whilst having a beer at a waterfront bar. Ray later discovered that Wellington is officially the windiest city on the planet based upon average wind speeds.

Supper was at a good pizza, and very popular, restaurant on the corner of Cuba Street which is at the heart of Wellington's cafe and restaurant scene. Later Sadie informed us that, currently,  this is one of the in places to eat in Welly.

Sunday morning was initially dominated by Ray checking the online commentary on the Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United game. In spite of dominating the game, unfortunately the Mighty Magpies could not get a goal so it finished 0-0. There was some initial disappointment but the LLW reminded Ray that being 3rd in the Premiership, with 39 points already and, along with Arsenal, having lost only 1 game all season, and having the fewest goals against of any team in the league, NUFC have done very well this season. I don't expect that many of you will have known that the LLW is such an expert on football.

After the football excitement, Ray cycled off along the Hutt valley with the river to his left and cycling upstream with a light headwind. Knowing that I would be returning along the same track, it is encouraging to know that it will be easier coming back (providing that the wind does not change direction with the tide!). 

  

Ray had thoughts of reaching Upper Hutt a city higher up the river but having cycled about 7 miles the signpost below was encountered and Ray decided that adding another 14 miles to the ride was a step, or should I say, a cycle too far.

After a short rest, we summoned Mr Uber, who arrived almost too quickly, and we were driven into Welly to meet with Sadie and Ash. We had arranged to meet outside the TSB Arena which is on the waterfront in the centre of Welly. No sooner had Mr Uber deposited us than Sadie and Ash arrived and after a short discussion we sat down at a waterside bar for a drink. Luckily, the wind in Welly was much lighter than yesterday and it was pleasantly warm. After a quick drink, or two, we walked off towards Cuba Street to find an Asian restaurant. Being Sunday evening we knew that lots of restaurants would be closed and even more so since tomorrow Monday is a public holiday being Welly's anniversary day. The area is full of restaurants and cafes of all types and after checking out a couple, which were recommended but closed, we came across a Malaysian restaurant which was newly opened but already busy. We had an excellent meal with huge portions of each dish. We spent a lovely few hours with Sadie and Ash and learned that they are planning to relocate to the UK in Spring 2024.

Welly is still a very "edgy" city and has a strong bohemian feel about it. Sadie explained that the city is big on equality and diversity, even to the extent that the little green person indicator at pedestrian crossings appears in a number of guises. After this being mentioned we examined the next green light and discovered it was a depiction of a drag queen! How very Welly!

Friday 20th; On to the North Island

Today is a big day in our NZ journey as we cross from the South Inland to the North, via the Cook Strait, on the Interislander ferry. The Cook Strait is notorious for high winds and rough seas, which we have experienced previously and Wellington is, for good reason, known as the windy city. However, Friday dawned bright and sunny with not a breath of wind. The LLW was much relieved and after emptying the grey water and refilling the fresh water we left our camp site for the very short journey to the ferry terminal. We were directed to a lane with countless Motor Homes in it and more quickly followed in behind us.

Being NZ, there was a pop up coffee shop in the queueing area operated by a rather "off the wall" young man who prepared excellent flat whites.

The ferry, Aratere, was about 20 minutes late in leaving Picton but we were soon greeted with awesome views in all directions. We spent 30 minutes or so on deck until the ship exited Marlborough Sounds, and neither of us could stand any more sun!

We had decided to book the Premier Lounge for the crossing which we had used on one previous occasion and that time we were disappointed with the food and service. However, it does provide a very comfortable and quiet place to spend the 3 1/2 hours which is usually needed to cross the Cook Strait.

The Premier Lounge has undergone a major transformation and we were greeted very cordially upon entering and were surprised at the luxury furniture and wide range of food and drinks. Since we had spent some time on deck, we had apparently missed the morning coffee and cakes, but were advised that lunch was to be served in 15 minutes.  It was a excellent lunch with salmon, ham and a variety of vegetables and salads, plus whatever you wanted to drink. We turned down all offers of wine or champagne and stuck to mineral water and orange juice. Cakes with cream or ice cream followed and the service was excellent - efficient, friendly and humorous without any hint of obsequiousness (which Ray hates). 

We were delighted we had chosen this option and must congratulate Interislander on getting it spot on. Our journey to the camp site was meant to be a quick one but we managed to take a wrong turn which took us up a very narrow, steep and windy road which seemed to be heading to the hills with no way out. Ray, rather bravely, decided to attempt a 5 point turn opposite a quarry. This was completed with the minimum of fuss but not to be recommended in an 8 metre long vehicle. 

Once settled at the camp site, Ray decided to visit reception and enquire about transport options to and from the centre of Wellington. We plan to visit tomorrow and again on Sunday when we will meet Sadie O'Rourke (the daughter of the late Charlie who was my colleague, and very good friend Charlie) and her partner Ashley. Sadie has been living in NZ for about 6 years and is well established in hospitality management. 

The news from reception was not good. There are severe shortages of drivers and most buses and trains are operating to weekend schedules and the others have been cancelled. Unfortunately one of the buses cancelled was the one from near our camp site to the centre. However, after much discussion about possible options the conclusion was that Uber provided the best service and at a reasonable price. I downloaded the App ( I have not used Uber for some time) and was pleasantly surprised to discover that they are able to pick us up, either at the camp site, or in Wellington with only ~ 5 minutes wait. We will report on the efficiency of Uber when we have checked them out. 

It is interesting to discover that NZ is experiencing worse problems than the UK with staff shortages and, since we last visited 4 years ago, has become significantly more expensive than the UK whilst previously it had been less expensive.

Thursday 19th: Picton

 We left Nelson relatively early and started the long climb , over the Richmond Range on Route 6, towards Havelock and then on to Picton. The first section was hard driving and slow but the road straightened out after we reached Pelorus Bridge and swifter progress was then made to Havelock. Definitely time for a coffee and look where we stopped?

After an arduous start to the journey, Team Jackson decided, unanimously, to take the easier route for the second half and proceeded through the vineyards of Marlborough which must be amongst the largest vineyards in the world. The second half of the journey in miles was completed in probably 25% of the time of the first half.

Soon we were settled in our camp site and whilst the LLW checked that all of her men where still in their boxes, Ray cycled off to explore Picton and the bay. It was glorious weather and as you can see the waterfront is very attractive.

The LLW decided it was appropriate to eat out tonight so we walked through the marina, over the very steep pedestrian bridge, and into the centre of Picton where there seemed to be a variety of restaurant. There were a lots of restaurants but many of them were closed on Wednesday evenings and several others had reserved signs on the tables. However, we found a table at Cafe Cortado and, in spite of dire warnings about how long it would take for us to be served we received our order of fish and chips within 15 minutes. It was very good with the whitest fish you could imagine. The food was good but the organisation and service left a lot to be desired. Ray remarked that it was an NZ version of Fawlty Towers with a young German waiter doing a credible impression of Manuel.

The first task the next morning (Thursday 19th) was to restock our food supplies with a visit to a supermarket. During his cycle ride yesterday Ray identified the location of   food outlets and Picton, being a small town, only seemed to have two, Four Square which is more of a convenience store and Fresh Choice which is an upmarket, Waitrose type supermarket. No prizes for guessing which one we selected.

Now most people would consider visiting a supermarket to be fairly mundane chore. However, when needing a parking space for an 8 metre Motor Home it is never straightforward. Our Motor Home is called a Carado (we have nickname it Cara which is Irish for friend and was used in Ray's company - Solcara). Cara has a very long overhang from the rear wheels (about 1/3 of the total length), so the trick to parking Cara is to find a parking space, which can be reversed into, and which has a grassy verge or path at the rear. We have a reversing camera on Cara but it doesn't deal very well with two bikes on the rack at the rear. The LLW is quite pernickety about the right space and after a couple of attempts Ray found a space which met her exacting requirements. Fresh Choice was very good and, quickly, we found all we needed.

The next item on the agenda was a drive along the Marlborough Sounds to Waikawa and Whatamango Bay. This had been identified as a good route to enjoy views of the sounds but we were not prepared for quite such stunning views, particularly those from Karaka Point.

The Interislander Ferry passed whilst we were there on its way to dock at Picton and we shall be on that ferry when it leaves Picton at 11:00 tomorrow. I think the photos are quite good but photos can never do justice to the incredible blue of the sea, the dark green of the vegetation beyond and the much paler blue of the sky above.

A few admin tasks this afternoon and then rack of lamb on the barbie, with a well chosen Central Otago Pino Noir! The next post will be from the North Island and from the nation's capital Wellington.