Short Trip to Nelson and Beyond

Wednesday morning we packed some things in back packs and drove over the mountains to Nelson and beyond to Marahau which is the entry town to the Abel Tasman Track.  On the way, we did a short hike at the Pelorus River.  For two nights, we stayed in a rustic cottage in a lovely valley near Marahau and the coast. 

Here's the swing bridge and the view down of the river with reflected clouds.  It's a nice hike, and beautiful scenery. 

Nelson Bay scallops on a citrus salad for lunch at the Apple Shed restaurant on Ruby Bay in Mapua.  We ate here four years ago, and loved it.  It's nice to return and find the little village thriving and growing.  There's even a new outdoor concert venue here and festivals are scheduled every few months.  What a change from a little sleepy harbor.  The outdoor deck overlooks the bay, and the views rival the food.  Our waitress, a Canadian, has moved back to NZ from Ottawa after five years away.  She said, NZ was just in her blood and she couldn't "settle" again in Canada.  I can understand that. 

Tomorrow I'll post more about Abel Tasman, Golden Bay and Nelson.  We had a nice trip, several long walks, and saw beautiful mountains and beaches.  It's good to be "home" in our apartment in Picton.