Galavanting South Island Week 1 - 17/4/09

Observations and Quotes
'The south island looks much taller than it does on the maps' - small child observation.
'I like the fairies' - another small child delighting in the ferry journey.
'A gaggle of gawping grockels' - Em practises alliteration on the Interislander ferry.
'Mika is close to my heart' - fortunately young Eva didn't mean the guilty dis-pleasure musician.
'Anyone for a coffee?', 'I'd rather a beer, Dan' - quick guessing of cousin Smith's true intention.
'The babbling brook sparkles in the sunshine' - Em continues alliteration practise.
'He's got himself a good christian woman' - Gossipping bather with a classic at the hot springs.
'I didn't think teachers hitched' - Roberta, one of our hitch rides.

Foods, Drinks and Digs
Speights Gold Medal Ale, Mussels (green lipped, and off the beach), Pak n Save picnic lunches, Free Choc Pudding, breakfasts and easter eggs (at certain backpackers), Sauvignon Blanc (Sav) from various bottles, Pelorus at Cloudy Bay, Fish n Chips, Roast Pork, Best Burger (Christchurch), BBQ at the nurses home and subsequent BBQ leftovers picnic, Jailhouse, Sequoia and Shambhala for enjoyable digs. Weet-bix, banana and superb chocolate birthday cake. Damn fine cider (Motueka and Mussel Inn).

Entertainments and Folks
Johnny Cash covers in Picton, High Fidelity in Kaikoura, Andy n Sandy, Wine tasting, Dave & Edie in Christchurch, Hot tubs and Spa's (with bagged arm and floats), Dan and Andy, Mademoiselle Anne, Yoga class including the flexible french pair and teacher BJ (real name), the Dutch three, Hawaii Ray and Penny, The Owl and The Pussycat, Oceana, Carol & family and quiztime success. Nelson Speights pub (ping pong, man food and cleavage), Nelson market. Tawa teachers on the homeward bound ferry.

Walks and Drives
Bobs Bay, Snout Walk and Tirohanga Walkway in Picton, Coastal walk on the Kaikoura Peninsula (and the loss of Sandy), Buller Gorge (and the Andy rock fall), aborted Farewell Spit walk, Wharariki (wow) beach, Shamhala lane (skips, glow worms and murder tales)
Lewis Pass, Pacific coast, Takaka hill highway. Beaches at Golden Bay. Centre of New Zealand.