Off To Nelson

We drove one last time out to the marina at Waikawa bay to drop off the keys for the sailboat. We set out immediately from there for Nelson, an hour and a half drive away.

We missed the turnoff for the shortcut to Nelson, and instead ended driving to Blenheim. Making the most of our unintended detour, we stopped for lunch and a walk around the Blenheim downtown.

We then set out on the direct route from Blenheim to Nelson. These roads are in good condition and follow the wide flat valleys between the mountains. As a result, most of the trip was made in relative calm, with only a few sections having switchback turns and narrow roads.


We stopped at a roadside rest stop to use the ever-so-fancy facilities.


The last few kilometers of the drive into Nelson follow the coastline closely. There is a very large tidal floodplain on this section of the coast, and as we were at low tide, we had an opportunity to see the extent of the shallows, including a few boats that were sitting high and dry, awaiting the return of the ocean to float again.


A short few blocks from the coastal highway led us to the street towards downtown, and we espied a motel offering waterfront rooms. We stopped in and booked a room for two nights. The waterfront rooms were nicely appointed, and here is a picture of the lovely waterfront (riverfront, actually).


After settling in, we set off on foot for the restaurant district, and after a short while were not disappointed. The day was sunny and in the sun it was quite warm. In the shade, it was too cool, actually, so one had to find a spot with a mix to be comfortable. We did so, and after a while had a tasty italian themed dinner.


Here's an only-slightly-broken-down oldie found on the streets of Nelson standing beside some car.


This is looking down Trafalgar Street from Restaurant row towards our hotel (not visible)


We then headed back to our room to finish the day with a bath, some TV, and a book.

Sightseeing and shopping tomorrow.

Don