Firewood and Ferries

On the move once again and we took a fairly short drive to the coastal town of Kaikoura. Famous for it's wildlife, we wondered if we might get a glimpse of these fantastic creatures. Arriving fairly early we stepped out into the sunlight and addressed our first priority- locate a computer and hope for news from home. With everyone getting ready for Christmas there hasn't been quite so much lately and today the Inbox was pathetically baron, so we soon headed across the road for some more information on the town.

The ever helpful iSite was a wealth of brochures and display boards. We soon realised that our intended activities for the day had some serious economic barriers- $165 to board a boat and spot some whales. Comforting ourselves that the creatures also inhabit the waters of South America and acknowledging the fatigue that was setting in after the last few action packed days we broke with tradition and decided to put the tent up at a coastal campsite and just relax for an entire day. Heading back around the peninsular we found somewhere that allowed us to open the zip and look directly at the sea- fantastic.

The only downside to camping on the shore was the sandy site. Driving the car to our patch it soon became quite stuck as the accelerator simply sunk a wheel further into a sandy pothole. Digging a path and pushing the car back was the most activity we encountered for the whole day, but even at the time it had us in fits of giggles. Luckily we rescued the rental car and parked it safely before setting up the tent.

The rest of the day was spent lying on the picnic blanket writing up diary entries, admiring the scenery, watching Blakey create a romantic sculpture on the beach and generally indulging in the delight of laziness. It was a great deal of fun.

As the evening approached we saw a few fires spring up on the beach around us and Blakey was soon bounding around the site finding scraps of driftwood for one of our own. As we sat by the hypnotic, comforting flames the sun vanished behind the mountains and one by one the stars started to show themselves. Soon we were surrounded by a beautiful night sky, utterly clear and bursting with light. We sat up until late admiring the spectacular view before climbing into our sleeping bags so our backs may be as warm as our fronts (still toasty from the flames)

the next day we had some time- we were a little ahead of our schedule- so we headed to an Internet cafe for the morning and typed up long emails home. Whilst sat there the wonder of Facebook chat presented itself and I caught up with Danni and Steph. the closer Christmas comes the further from home we feel and whilst each day is filled with exciting things I long for the moment it will take 20 minutes to go and speak to people in person. I've said a number of times now, I wish Christmas would hurry up and pass us by so I can get my mind back on the fun we're having here and now, not the fun we're missing back at home.

After leaving the Internet and heading back out into the sun (so un-Christmassy-very strange) we both realised we were extremely tired. Maybe it was staying up so late to look at the stars, but every time we allow ourselves a day of rest it's like we lose momentum and are faced with exhaustion until we pick up the pace again. Guiltily we decided to cut our coastal walk short and headed straight for the seal colony around the coast instead.

When we got out of the car it seemed just as well- opening the door the wind nearly ripped it off its hinges and as we walked across the shingles we were literally blown back by the wind- it was so strong! We pushed against it for a glimpse of the seals, heading for the only place that a couple of people were standing still on the beach. There we found one lazy heap of blubber snoozing away on the rocks. Other than the huge amounts of seaweed this seal was all alone on the beach. Not much of a colony7, but worth a couple of pictures. Hoods up around our ears we let the wind carry us back to the car.

On the road again, though shamefully I can tell you nothing about the scenery here as Blakey drove and I opened my bleary eyes to discover a few hours and a few hundred kilometres had passed and we were in the town of Picton. Thinking it seemed very sleepy we soon realised it was a Sunday and that was why everywhere was shut. We headed straight for a campsite again.

After all that time sleeping a regressed to a childlike state, aware of my own wants and needs, and with the shop attached to the previous campsite in mind began dreaming of raspberry licorice. At that moment in time I became painfully aware that my life could not be complete without some to chew on. What followed was a toddler like tantrum and a short car journey to acquire the magical stuff. Finally I could relax and read my book in peace. Blakey was also relieved of a whining girlfriend as his Sudoku love affair continued.

An hour later ad the weather was disgusting. The wind was howling but now bought rain with it. the brief seconds that the car doors were open for us to run to the toilets left items near the exits a soggy mess. No way were we putting the tent up tonight, so the seats of the car were collapsed once more.

Waking up the following morning was a rushed affair. As usual I opened my eyes to the gentle sounds of my beloved snoring (by which I mean the windows were rattling) The snoring soon ceased but was replaced with "Oh shit! It's ten past ten!" refusing to pay late charges we chucked our stuff in the boot, pulled the chairs up and left the park without a backwards glance. It was definitely a morning to treat ourselves to a decent breakfast in a cafe.

Tea and sustenance revived us momentarily as we headed for the Picton ferry terminal. We checked in, found a comfy sofa, I finished the last chapter of a most engrossing Stephen Fry novel and we fell asleep in a huddled mass for the entire journey to the North Island. Upon waking a large pool of dribble glistened on the cushion above me as Blakey wiped his mouth and realised that the laughter he had half-consciously heard may have been response to this little incident. Worn out, we couldn't help but smile at the thought of all we had done on the South Island. It was sad to leave it so soon.