The One with the Kayak

After a fairly non eventful trip in the rain on the ferry to South Island, we had the pleasure of being woken 4 times in the night by the fire alarm in Picton. It brought me straight back to university days with everyone huddled outside in the drizzle wrapped in duvets.

So, needless to say, we were not exactly on top form when we boarded the Stray bus the next day. Our driver was called Princess (not knowing at this stage whether or not it was a nickname, I wanted to tut every time she said her name, but again, with hindsight, I found out that all stray drivers have to have a stupid name!)

I was not particularly impressed with the attempt to start Speed Dating on the bus, but it turned out that no one else was either, so apart from H spending two rounds speaking to Dermot behind us, it all fell pretty flat!

We stopped off en route at a winery (what's the difference between a winery and a vineyard) - personally more a chance to chat to people while enjoying a drop of the good stuff, but this meant we received the Paddington Bear stare from the woman running the place. Back on the bus, we made our way to Marahau on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park, and Old MacDonalds Farm - our home for the night, but also home to llamas, alpacas, sheep, and an all round eclectic mix of animals!

The next day, and despite the rain in the night, the weather is not too bad, and we make our way next door to receive our training for a days Sea Kayaking. Having learnt how to paddle, what to do if we capsize, adn having managed to negotiate H as steerer(!) we load the Kayaks, jump in the bus and head down to the water. The tide is out so we have quite a trek to the waters edge before launching the kayaks and heading out.

There are 6 of us kayaking. Our guide Zoe, her brother Adam who is visiting her, a german couple who paddle at supersonic speed but don't talk to anyone and H and I. Needless to say supersonic coupledom are normally waiting for H and I to arrive!

Our first stop is Fisherman Island, and after a good hour or so on the water it's time for morning tea on the secluded bay with white sand. The sun is now out, and after yummy cookies, a slice of chocolate cake and the invariable cup of tea we soon had the energy to continue.

As we head on the going is made much easier as we keep stopping to admire the wildlife. Several Grey Shags stand to attention on the rocks, the noise of ciccadas fills the air, a couple of blue penguins bob up and down on the water, and a large seal thrashes about in the water pulling an octopus to bits to eat. As we were on the kayaks, we could get really close to the seal - a really exciting venture.

Our lunch stop was on another white sand beach called Te Puketea Bay. Time for a swim in the "refreshing" water, and then a walk up the cliffs for fantastic views of the National Park, and a chance to dry off in the mid day sun.

Sadly, we also had to paddle back, which when you are tired seems a lot further! Needless to say we needed no help getting to sleep that night!