September 20, 2012

  • Tuesday 18th September

     

     

     

     

    Jesika didn't want to have to get moving too early so we agreed that I would pick them up around 10-10:30am.

    I was able to pack my gear and have a bit of a relaxing chat with Vonnie before heading off.

    I got there just after 10:30am.

    On the way I mentally changed the proceedings of the day.We were planning to go into the city and have brunch at the BoatShed Cafe but as it was such a glorious day I thought I would take them on a tiki tour out to Sumner.

    It was only 15 mins away from Bri's.

    We loaded up their gear and headed off.

    The roads were very interesting.

    It was like driving on a roller coaster.

    Jesika asked if the roads were always like this?

    No - just since the quake bummed

    From Melbourne she had only seen media footage so was dumbstruck to see these houses hanging over the cliff tops.

    I had been intent on looking for the container artwork that I hadn't looked up.

    Jesika got out of the car to take photos while I pulled over as far as I could to the left.

    The road is very narrow here with all the containers blocking the cliffs.

    It is so cool though that they are making the best of the situation and decorating them with art works.

    This painting is one of Bethany Wenborn's - Phoebe's sister, who's art works are selling so well these days,

    We had a bit of a drive around Sumner and then pulled over at the beach.

    It was beautiful there so J&E went for a wander while I hopped online to suss out a cafe.

    I found one just around the corner with good reviews so we cruised around and parked up.

    It was Joe's Garage.

    It was a very good choice.

    Evan was starving hungry and therefore grumpy so he made up his mind & ordered very quickly.

    Whereas Jesika & I couldn't decide.

    Jesika was not feeling great and so we told the waitress we'd decide later.

    In the meantime we both ordered a 'Killer Smoothie'.

    And it was just that - a total killer.

    It was fantastic!
    I want that recipe!!
     
    It was made with honey, yoghurt and black plums.

     

    Evan was a very happy chappie when he got his breakfast - 'the local'.

    Nothing like food to change the temperament of a bloke winky

    And despite Jesika not being at all hungry it didn't take long for her to plead for 'just that little bit there'

    She and I then both ordered a 'easy tiger' - spicy chicken salads.

    They were delicious.

    I loved the smoothie so much I ordered a second one so I could savour the flavour for  a while longer.

    We sat and talked wedding plans and Jesika wrote out their guest list.

    Then it was time to leave.

    We drove over more roller coaster roads until we got to Marshlands Road.

    I wanted to check out the vege shop as it usually has really good deals.

    While I picked up some fruit and veges Jesika had a catch up with an old friend on my phone.

    Then it was off to the airport.

    I dropped them off at 2pm as their flight was 4pm.

    Big hugs goodbye - it had been a great couple of weeks, but now time for us all to get back to our real lives.

    As I had quite a way to drive I didn't wait with them.

    I headed off down Harewood Road, stopping off to pick up some stuff from a friend and then whizzed into Northlands to get a frappaccino from Gloria Jeans and a rice ball from the sushi shop.

    I was now armed with food and drink and ready to hit the tarseal northwards.

    I left at 2:30pm.

    Did some calculations as to which route to take and decided on the coast.

    It was actually slightly shorter as I was heading to Seb & Phoebe's and they live on the north side of Nelson.

    Plus there would be more traffic and better cell cover if I did have any problems - see Vonnie, I was listening to you hon!!

     

    I had a good drive up.

    Was really tired but not sleepy.

    The Kaikoura Coast is a favourite drive for me, the weather is always changing and hence the colours of the sea and sky and mountains are never the same.

    So beautiful.

     

    I stopped at Kaikoura and had a wander round Dick Smith & Postie for 20-30mins just to stretch my legs.

    I had a consuming desire to listen to Neil Diamond so when I got to Blenheim I went for a leg stretch around The Warehouse and found "Hot August Night".

    It was one of the records I biffed out back in our extreme fundamental days whatevah

    With that in the cd player blaring at top volume for the rest of the trip I managed to make Nelson safely.

    I was very grateful that Phoebe had some dinner for me.

    I had been hungry but didn't want to take the time to stop as I just wanted to get there!