Dolphin watching day!!!

We woke up to perfect blue skies this morning. Sun was shining but still windy & cold. A quick call to the Dolphin Bird Watch Eco Tour office confirmed we would be on the early afternoon boat ride.

We headed out after another gourmet breakfast for a leisurely drive toward Picton where we would get the boat. The scenery along the way was of course spectacular. A few too many stops & we were close to missing the boat. Once Bob skillfully maneuvered past a little car going too slow for our taste, we narrowly made Picton. As Bob parked the car, I ran to the office. They were literally just heading out & held the boat for us. As we made our way onto the boat, apologizing for the delay, the staff responded with the now familiar 'no worries.'

As the boat headed out toward Motuara Island, a bird sanctuary, we enjoyed the beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound. Once stopped at the island, we joined some of the staff & the 6 or so other passengers on the 20 minute quest to the top of the island. This was literally a walk up the side of the mountain. OK, probably a hill - but at times it felt like a mountain. The terrain was slippery & muddy - slipped a few times but stayed upright. For the most part we even kept up with the other folks....and they really were quite a bit younger! : ) Along the way, the guides pointed out various birds & we even saw two blue penguin in nesting boxes with their babies! At the top, we climbed a set of stairs for the spectacular view of the sound. Very lovely. The walk back down was almost as treacherous given the slippery conditions.

Safely back on the boat, our crew headed out past the floating salmon farms and to where bottle nosed dolphins had been spotted by another boat. Interesting side note, the owner of the company is a marine biologist from Nebraska. (Marine biologist from Nebraska....is that an oxy moron????) His wife is from Seattle.She is also a marine biologist. He did his Masters degree at Texas A&M, Galveston where they lived for several years. They run this company as a way of funding their research. The dolphins appeared in all their glory as promised. They were swimming alongside the boat, catching the current created by the boat which enabled them to 'surf' alongside us. 'Going along for the ride.' They jumped and swam, putting on quite a show. Of course didn't matter how fast you clicked the camera or how many pictures you took - whether you got 'the' picture was just luck of the draw.

Back to Picton around 6:00 pm & wandered there for awhile looking for food. Finally decided to head back to Blenheim where we did not find anything open. Stopped at the grocery store for some chips & then went back to Brookhurst. Since we had missed wine & 'nibbles' earlier, Bridget had prepared a gorgeous dessert of strawberries & meringue. Brian provide a 'dessert' Reisling for us to sample. Very good. Very sweet too.

The morning we packed & said our good byes to Brian, Bridget, Sophie & Sam (the Bichon Frises) & Claudia the cat, pictured above.

Next stop - Nelson & Ruby Bay.

Other random thoughts....

Sheep are everywhere of course. Since it's spring, their babies are everywhere too. SO cute. I just want to pick one up & hold it. Doubt they would let me - good to have goals.

Our accommodations and hosts at Brookhurst could not have been better. Bridget was so much fun and made us feel so at home. Our evening chats with Brian were a nice way to wrap up the day. I loved Claudia the cat. Cat with an attitude. Reminds me of the beast at home. This is a Persian who has been shaved. Her face is smashed in - she snorts & makes little meowing sounds & certainly tells you what she wants. She took to coming upstairs to find us. When we were downstairs, she made it clear when she wanted to be on my lap. I was happy to oblige!

The flowers here are spectacular. Of course it doesn't hurt that the climate is amazing and this is spring. The ferns are incredible. The cherry blossoms are all blooming. Camellias are incredible & wisteria drapes all over. The unique broom flower that the locals consider a nuisance is not to be missed. The last time we were here, 'Fields of Gold' by Sting came to mind. It is similar to our forsythia but grows all over & in abundance. Calla lilies grow naturally & are blooming profusely. Daisies are all along the road side growing in huge bunches. Lavender is blooming & gorgeous.

The narrow roads are interesting. As we go through hair pin curves or across narrow bridges, Bob always asks me to check the left side. At these times we're usually good. It's when he hears me gasp that he always says 'don't do that...just tell me we're too close.' Can't manage to get the words out quickly enough! All in all, most impressive how he can drive these roads.

I've learned (Frank, you'll like this) about why wine bottles are no longer being corked. Learned all about the Stelvin enclosures. Interesting and you can look it up online if you're interested. The first vineyards here were only planted 30 years ago. In that time, they have really amassed quite a reputation and industry.

While at a vineyard in Marlborough we heard a couple speaking with an American accent. We did the obligatory 'where are you from' to find out they are from Van Nuys, California. Small world.

One of my favorite road signs is a picture of a car skidding & under the pictures says 'frosty.'

The pace of life seems so relaxed & casual here. Not sure if this is because we're relaxed being here or if it truly is that kind of lifestyle. Or, maybe it's all the good wine we're drinking! Either way, we sure are enjoying!