In the Moment

Today, Dwight took charge of the point-and-shoot. While he tested the limits of the lens with vegetation he found interesting, I stared wistfully out at the Tasman Sea, or focused on a leaf, sometimes realizing how good it was to be in the moment.

Splurge

Our splurge is three nights at Abel Tasman National Park, staying in the lodge, enjoying the trails and local food. Green-shelled mussels from The Marlborough Sounds with fresh pasta, salad veggies from the lodge’s gardens, Pinot Gris from nearby Nelson.

Backpackers on a Bus

Rode a scheduled bus, carrying mainly backpackers, for the two-hour journey to Nelson, the second-oldest settled city in New Zealand. Over the next twelve days we’ll explore the northwest corner of the South Island by foot, boat, and car.

Ridge Trail

Hiked seven hours on a well-designed and maintained trail along a ridge separating Kenepuru Sound and Queen Charlotte Sound. Sometimes we saw Kenepuru, sometimes Queen Charlotte, sometimes both.