Top of the South Island and Coastal Return

In Marlborough country, rainy skies did not dismay and we set off to a WWI era aeronautical museum near a local air field. Peter Jackson’s vision and funding restored early airplanes and many British and German models. It was fascinating and creepy to see a short film of the Red Baron’s departure for his last flight followed by a formal Aussie ‘field’ burial.

Joining Nancy, Cecil, Leslie and Carl for dinner at a Picton harbor restaurant was both a high and low…how super again to be with such wonderful folk – and how sad to know that miles and oceans separate us soon. Many times to skype ahead!

The next morning, our B&B host offered lemons from his trees and we happily tucked them into the car. Before leaving Marlborough, we clambered up the ‘hill’ overlooking Blenheim for a ‘360’ view before heading to Kaikora.

Rain and grey skies do not diminish the splendid coastline…and spotting seals was the focus. The ‘full feed’ of fish and chips could not have been better and the lemonade was superb! Kaikora will always be a part of Eric’s heart and in the morning, we stopped where Eric and his family had summered…just two hours north of Christchurch.

A wonderful welcome awaited us as we settled back into Eric’s hometown. Dinner at Dave and Joyce’s home was ‘five star’ and a delight to spend an evening with Eric’s sister and Adrienne Stewart. It was also a chance to practice “Advance Australia Fair”. With plans to arrive in Sydney on Australia Day, Eric wanted us ‘ready’ to burst into song upon ‘touch down’ at the airport. Adrienne had made a quick call to her brother in Australia to obtain the words.

In the morning, it was time for the buskers..as the festival in the city had just begun.. Twisted Brass and Kiwi Blue Grass were favorites plus wanders to the Art Gallery and Christchurch Museum.

In early evening, we headed to Brian’s for an evening of good fun and dinner with the chef. Lots of conversation, laughter and ‘figuring’ created a wonderful meal, chances to skype, and plans for Brian’s next trip north. Monday came round and we headed to Christchurch beaches – Sumner, Lyttelton Harbor, and Corsair and Governor’s Bay. The city put on its best sunshine for our last afternoon.

Tuesday, it was an early wake up for our flight to Sydney.