November 12, 2015 Renwick NZ

OK so it's been a few days since the last post. To be honest, we haven't done anything much exciting, nor have I taken any snaps to get carried away about. But, here's a bit of a roundup

Tuesday, we came across from the North to the South Island. The crossing was quite uneventful, except for the fact that I'm claiming a clean sweep of the puzzle page of the newspaper. We came into Picton and after at least 40 minutes, claimed our bags and then another delay before claiming our car. Car? Its a Ssangyong for the love of Pete. Oh well, mustn't complain and I must stop looking at the row of nice shiny new Toyotas with envy.

We made it up into Blenheim and had some lunch. Blenheim strikes us as being odd, its all odd lanes and streets running every which-way. Maybe I'm just too damn tired to try and figure it out! Finally we streaked across to Renwick and found the Vinters' Retreat easily enough, and I have to say its pretty flash, I could just stay here for the rest of the time. It was even sunny and warm enough to brave the high winds and have a swim in the pool, it's solar heated and must have been a bit over 20.

We went back down to Picton and had a look around, choosing not to stay for a tempting whitebait sandwich yet, preferring to go back to Renwick and the Winery next door. We had Seafood mussel chowder and a Pate platter. Not to mention the glasses of wine and the lamb burger... Have to say it was pretty damn nice.

Today we drove across to Nelson, and even here on the coast the mountains are still covered in snow, were taken by the size of the place - maybe it should have been the capital? Lauren suggested lunch at the Boat House, and who were we to argue? Sadly, even though the food itself was excellent (I had Seafood chowder again, Judy had a John Dory Sandwich), the main was barely entree sized and I was just so hungry we left unsatisfied.

Rather than heading to Maccas for a feed, we went to World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars museum. Now I have to say that even I found the dresses - no, costumes - were 'interesting' and even Judy had to agree that the classic cars were pretty decent. Pretty enjoyable hour or so.

Look for this one in Millers....
World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars, Nelson NZ

World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars, Nelson NZ

Lalique bonnet decoration on Packard. World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars, Nelson NZ

World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars, Nelson NZ

1956 Chevrolet dashboard?

No, the bathroom mirror in the toilets! World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars, Nelson NZ

Cadillac mascot.World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars, Nelson NZ

A Cord. Geez, this place is loaded with exotic cars.
World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars, Nelson NZ

Finally we went back into Nelson town and wandered about. Judith was getting a bit despondent until a Miller's turned up and I was happy when we found a cafe and sat and drank nice coffee and ate more food.

Back to the batch, er Bach, as they say here, I went for a wander and snapped some of the grape wines that are literally all around us.

Vines. Renwick NZ

Vines. Renwick NZ

That's or place in the background. Renwick NZ

Burt wait, there's more - we are going to the pub for dinner - Sweet as!