Kaikoura, Blenheim, a car problem and wine tasting

Well, Where do we begin? First point to be made refers to a comment left after our last entry. The issue of authorship of these entries. WE would like it to be known that they are a team effort and not solely the work of the male half of the duo. i.e. I just happen to be faster at typing whilst the Polmeister is faster at talking!

Anyhoo, back to the story.
We picked the car up from the car dealer on Monday afternoon and after some MORE last minute shopping we drove to a picturesque town called Akaroa. This was originally settled by the French and still maintains a strong tie to the mother country (Its streets are still called Rues and there is a French flag flying!) Akaroa is a small holiday town frequented by Christchurch's wealthy and as such had a lack of activities for the intrepid adventurers that we are! In fact, the biggest peice of news in the local paper was regarding planning permission for an outdoor swimming pool... People actually complained saying it would ruin the ambience!

After a swift Coffee and walk, we proceeded North up to a town called Kaikoura. The map pointed this place out as a area to spot dolphins and whales. Well, we would have done if the visibility was more than 10metres! It rained and rained and rained and if we closed our eyes we thought we were back in Manchester! But we werent... We stayed in a small cabin as it was too wet to camp and Pol put her new found bargaining skills to work to secure us a third discount of the trip (1: Walking boots, 2: Car (Betsy the Beast) and 3: Cabin)To say that it was cold was an understatement and we both woke to more rain and chilly winds.

Yesterday was a funny old day. We started the drive up to Nelson went Betsy started complaining and juddering loudly. We managed to make it to Blenheim were we sought a mechanics advice. The damn garage we took the car to originally hadnt replaced an oil pipe properly and transmission oil had been leaking all the way from Christchurch. Anyway, after much nail biting, the mechanic declared the problem fixed and after the salesman we bought the car from promised the refund us the cost onto our card!

After all this excitement, Poor old Polly was in dire need of some refreshment. The Marlborough region (does this name ring a bell for anyone! - Joan,Dad,Sara?)Famous for its wine! especially Sauvignon Blanc was our current location so we popped into a couple of the local wineries to sample their wares. (Note to self and others - Do NOT buy from the Fromme Winery.. very vinegary!) We did however got to one called Kathy Linskey and her Sauv Blanc was absolutely Heavenly! We intend on taking a bike tour round the area in a couple of weeks when the weather is better and getting smashed!

Day ended in Nelson, meeting up with the Swedens! Went for a curry and then a drink. Off to turn Betsy into a floating fortress today (bed in back!) so we can sample the delights of the Abel Tasman National park! Weather today.. sunny but cold!

Take care everyone... our New Zealand Mob number is 02115198863.

Pollyali (Pol is GOING to write the next one!)

xxx