Monday 2nd February- All aboard for Picton

This was an early start for us today; we had to check in for the ferry at latest by 0930. We had a quick breakfast in the room with the stuff we bought last night in the supermarket.

We joined the queue for boarding the ferry and would make the following comments.

Why is it when you get there early that they seem to load the late comers first and then they are in a position to get off the ferry earlier on the other side. The ferries are all very old and quite ropy really and nothing to be proud of and so when I get a minute will write a letter to the company that operates them.

The first forty minutes of the crossing was quite rough as the COOK Straight is known for high winds but once you get in the lee of the tip of the South Island it got much smoother. Three hours later we arrived in Picton and it was grey and overcast and so no pictures folks.

We headed off for Christchurch which is about 200 miles away but stopped early on for a ‘Subway’ sandwich to give us some strength for the journey. It then started to rain quite a bit but was surprised to see lots of old cars coming towards us. They all looked liked Ford ‘Model T’ vehicles obviously in a rally and some of the occupants looked quite wet.

The road runs along by the side of the sea and you can see from time to time seals and various birds all enjoying themselves. The roads were very quiet from a traffic perspective which made the journey much quicker. We passed through Kaikora Where we intend to visit on the homeward journey for some whale watching ( or at least and attempt at whale watching) and the town is not so attractive but has a high reputation for crustaceans ie Lobster and crayfish which we hope to try.

We arrived at around six thirty at the Hotel where Jennifer informed me that she had some form of ear ache or infection as it was hurting and swollen inside-not good. So following a quick bite to eat at the local Burger King we visited the Doctor and 80 quid later went of back to the Hotel to hear about the bad snow in the South East of UK and our son called to advise of the challenges as he was trying to get to work as the ambulance service was almost at a standstill. Joanne ,our daughter, could not find her car in the snow but also the road was blocked by people who tried, but failed, to get to work. Looks like another quiet day in the UK. In Switzerland all the trains and buses and road would be operating.

It has turned cold in Christchurch which is quite unusual and we had to wear coats. What is happening to this world?