Today, Saturday is a sunny, blustery (very windy) day. Jer has gone fishing out of the Nelson Harbour with Bella's brother, Adam. I think it will be very choppy on the water, but I'm hoping they will catch some fish for supper. The fish here are soooooo tasty. Maybe because they are fresh when cooked, and usually they are done on the barbie. Marliese and I are about to go into Nelson for the last time at the market. Nelson has the biggest and best market on the South Island – so I've been told!! It is amazing. Andrew loves the bratwurst with sauerkraut, I really enjoy all the crafters - the potters in particular. It's a very busy place!

Split apple rock

Totaranui Beach

some ferns we walked through

one of the views as we tramped

Yesterday, Jerry and I took the bus up to Able Tasman National Park. Sam, Bella's golf pro brother-in-law, had won a prize at a golf tourny here in Nelson before the wedding. He had given us the voucher, which was a one day pass for two, to do the Able Tasman tramp, using the combination of boat cruise and tramping. What a fantastic gift for us!!! This was the same route that Marliese had kayaked at the beginning of the week. The day was perfect – sunny, warm AND the sea (ocean) was calm. So, we caught a coach (bus) nearby, and had a 1 ¼ hour ride along the coast to Kaiteriteri, where we boarded the catamaran at 9:15, and cruised all the way up the coast to Totaranui stopping along the way at numerous golden sands beaches to pick up or drop off other passengers. We sat on the top and enjoyed the sun and the view. To one side, we saw the beaches, forests, mountains and rocks; to the other side we saw the endless ocean. We saw a few baby seals (about a month old) and lots of ocean birds. At Totaranui the boat turned back, and we continued back until Tonga Quarry, where we got off. We sat on some rocks on the beach while having our lunch, enjoying the hot sun, the aqua colored ocean and each other's company; all the while reminding ourselves that we were enjoying this warmth in JANUARY.......... AND in New Zealand, no less!!!! Then we did a most spectacular tramp through native forest to Barks' Bay where we enjoyed the beach until it was time to board again. Native forests consist of many kinds of ferns and fern trees. Just so beautiful to tramp through!!! Thanks, Sam. Someday, we think we might want to tramp the entire Able Tasman Track. Though staying in those DOC huts wouldn't be as relaxing as the ones we stayed at with Andrew. These huts need to be reserved months in advance, and they are always full. But the views while tramping would be worth it.

Sunday we said good bye to Kristin and Charlotte. They have gone back to Canada. Angela has graciously allowed Marliese, Jerry, and myself to move into her house for the last week and a half. This is also where Andrew and Bella are staying, so it's a full house for Angela. The bonus for us is, we get to spend more time with our son and his new wife, and our new family of in laws.

The start

Ponga trees

Pohutakawa blossoms

Sunday night was spent packing up. Marliese left Monday early, at 7:30, to go and do a kayaking trip in the Able Tasmin area. She should be back sometime tonight. Jerry, Andrew and I left Monday morning (not quite as early) on a 3 day tramp. The tramp itself was not very far out of Nelson, but once we were on the trail, we could have been anywhere in New Zealand. The trail itself was only about 26 km. long; not very long when it comes to walking a distance over 2 ½ days. But with the number of times we climbed, and then descended, it took a long time. We started out at a sea level of 0 feet, and the highest we reached over the two days was about 1035 feet. The terrain varied, and made it very interesting. There were times when it felt very familiar – it reminded us of the 'Lord of the Rings' movies. Ferns, fern trees, huge cedar trees and many different kinds of mosses in a very luscious forest. The mineral belt, which reminded us of the dessert in Arizona – minus the cacti, of course. Scrub forests, where the Hanuka trees were blooming, and the aroma was amazing. And that's where we also saw the puhutakawa trees in bloom, though here they were just scrub bushes! We crossed streams by hopping rocks (this is where I got two wet hiking boots), but I did make it across without falling in. The water was cold. The weather was spectacular – 25 C during the day, 15 C at night!!

Bella and her mom dropped us off Monday morning, and we tramped about 7 hours, before we got to our first DOC hut. The tramping system all over NZ is amazing. Before we left, we went to DOC, and bought tickets for two nights in two specific huts. For some huts you need to reserve, others not. The huts we wanted to tramp to, didn't need reservations. The first hut (Rocks Hut) slept 20 people (fortunately we were only 4), and we needed 3 tickets each. $5.00 per ticket. The second hut (Browning Hut) supposedly slept 8 (again we were 4 ) people, and required 1 ticket per person. The more tickets you need for a hut, the more amenities you get at the hut. The first hut had flush toilets; the second hut had a long drop. The first hut had a HUGE rain barrel filled with drinkable water; the second hut we had to get water from the nearby stream and boil before drinking. No electricity at the huts, but the first hut provided candles for all the candle holders in the hut. The beds are wooden structures, and sleep 4 – 5 people in one bed. Each person gets their own 4 inch thick mattress. There is a wood stove in each hut; firewood was provided at the first hut, not the second. Kitchens consist of a bench (what we call a counter) some storage cupboards, and maybe some dishes left by other trampers. When it gets dark outside, about 9:00PM, it's time to go to bed. Unless, of course, a good card game is in progress. Then the candles come out!

The second day, we again tramped for about 7 hours. The distance was quite a bit shorter, but we climbed a bit in the morning, then dropped from 1035 feet above sea level, to about 500. A little hard on the toes and knees. I have blisters to show for this walk. This was a difficult tramp, because we were always watching our feet, as the trail was not a well used one, and it was only one person wide, and LOTS of roots and rocks on the trail. They may not have many mosquitoes here in NZ, but to quote our German roommate, Hendrik, at the second hut, 'NZ has one bad thing, and that's the sand flies'. They are worse than mosquitoes! Much smaller than mosquitoes, their bites seems to stay itchy for a LOT longer – days even. At the second hut, we were all kept awake for most of the night by the mozzies and the sand flies. They really seem to like Andrew in particular.

Today, we hiked from the Browning Hut to the Hacket car park, where we were met by Bella and her mom, and brought back home for a much needed shower. The hike today was only 4 hours, and followed a fast flowing river (often crossing it) as we descended the rest of the distance to 0 feet sea level.

Bella and her mom left for Wellie (Wellington) this afternoon, to attend Bella's godmother's funeral tomorrow. So we have some down time to unpack, do some laundry, relax our sore feet and leg muscles and catch up on news from down under.   

Wow! Life is getting busier, now that the wedding is done, and Andrew and Bella are back from their honeymoon. Jerry went golfing again on Wednesday, this time as an International. It was a tournament, local versus international people. He didn't do as well as the other two times, but he said it was fun, nonetheless. The gals went into Richmond with Angela and had a coffee. Flat white is the coffee of choice. Only a small cup, quite strong and tasty, and every place has a loyalty card. Something Winnipeg should have more of.  Later, Marliese, Charlotte and I went for a walk in Isel Park, and took pictures of flowers and trees. The trees here are just so big!!!

grape hyacinths-lots of them everywhere

hydrangea-big ones

Bapa & Charlotte walking on the beach

Kaiteriteri Beach

Yesterday, we rented a car - from 'Rent a Dent', and the five of us went up the coast to Kaiteriteri, about a 1 ½ hour drive from where we are living. A very windy, twisty road, and the kiwis keep to their speed of 100 km/hour. Crazy!!! Fortunately, there are passing lanes, so the slower traffic (tourists) can let the locals pass. We went to a golden sands beach. Beautiful, with aqua coloured water. The sun is just so very hot, but the breeze helps to make it cool. Jerry and Marliese went in and swam a bit; Kristin and I enjoyed the sand and shell collecting. It was just a bit windy and noisy for Charlotte. She wasn`t so keen to be near the water, especially if she wasn`t being held. After supper, we went and hung out with the newly married couple and her mother, and had tea and some of Julie`s delicious Christmas cake.

Red snapper in the pan!

This morning Jerry and I returned the rented car. We stopped for a cappachino and a biscuit. They make their biscuits with dates. Yummy!!! I killed a mosquito today. Second one I've seen so far. The rest of the day was spent hanging around with Andrew, Bella and Angela. I went up to see Granny with Angela, and her chest infection seems to be getting better. We had stopped in at a fish market during the day, and had bought some fresh snapper and some John Dory, which we fried up for supper. Very tasty.

Marliese in LARGE tree nearby

 UV rates are very high here. Apparently the 2^nd highest in the world! Don't know where the highest is. Yesterday it was rated at 14! Then it says to reschedule your outdoor activities, and seek shade between 11 and 4 pm. Jer went golfing with Michael and Shiela, (he did put on sun block) and had a very good time. He came home and said 'I LOVE New Zealand'!!! He had shot a 91! AND....he played the entire game with only 1 (ONE) ball!! Both games that he has played here, he has played with only one ball. The girls decided to just hang out around here, and give Charlotte a rest day. She got in quite a few naps, as did Kristin. Marliese decided to water the vegie gardens in our yard (and today it's pouring rain) - to ensure us getting a few more tomatoes before we leave. I got to sit and stitch on my grandmother's flower garden – outside in the very warm shade.

cabbage trees

Andrew and Bella took Jer and I  to see Granny for happy hour. She is turning 93 this Sunday, and lives in this amazing retirement home. Bella's family's tradition (for as long as),  has been that as many of Granny's family as possible, go to her place for 5:00 happy hour. And then they go home to make 'tea' (which is what they call supper here). Yesterday, ten of us made it to her apartment. She was very happy to see us, though she is not doing very well right now. She is on two lots of antibiotics because she has a very bad chest infection.

Andrew and Bella joined us for supper at our home. Chicken divan, and.....PAVLOVA!!!! It is soooooo good. Felt great to be visiting in our home with Mr and Mrs Friesen!!!!

the walking path

Heading out for our walk

Well, today we've had 'torrential downpours and gale force winds' most of the day. Rain all day today, but still 20 C. We watched 'Whale Rider' this morning. A good NZ movie, and it takes place among the Maori (native) people here. Sort of neat to see some of the things in the movie, and then to realize that we've seen them here in NZ. Mid afternoon Jer and I decided to head out for a walk – rain or not!!! We walked a good hour along an old railroad track, that has been asphalted into a walking and biking path. We came back slightly wet (we were wearing rain gear), but felt refreshed. As I write, it is still pouring. Andrew and Bella have gone for a two day honeymoom out to the Marlbourough Sounds somewhere!

the wedding setting

our son

A very two busy days we've had!  The day of the wedding was nice and warm, sunny, and no wind.  23 C! The wedding venue (Monaco Resort) was about a 15 minute walk from Angela's (Bella's mom) place - on a small peninsula that juts out into the 'sea'.  It was a short garden wedding, after which some photos were taken in the garden and then the wedding party drove into town for some photos.  Some of the guests were staying at the resort, so a lot of people hung out in their suites, waiting for the reception.  Jer and I were invited to Michael and Sheila's (Angela's sister) house for drinks.  They live in England, but spend 3 months of the year in Nelson, so we were able to meet some of Angela's friends and visit with them.  Back to the resort at 4ish, for canapes.  Supper was a buffet, and it was amazing.  Fish, ham, beef and chicken; many different kinds of salad, potato dish, cold mussels, cold cuts, etc.   Dessert was the best chocolate cake I've had in a long time, AND....  pavlova!!!!!  Yummy!  A fun evening, getting to know new people and visiting with old friends.  Bella and Andrew both looked great!  A very handsome couple. We got home late, and had a very leisurely morning here at our home today. Oh yes,  we saw ONE mosquito in our house yesterday!!!  There are no screens on any windows here.

flower girls-Bella's nieces

the girls...waiting

the guys...waiting

the couple

Jerry & Granny signing the register

Mr & Mrs Friesen arriving

table centerpieces 

the next wedding????

our grand daughter & daughter

the cake-caramel mud

Today, everyone was invited to the reserve (park) near Angela's at noon for a kiwi picnic.  Typically everyone brings their own meat to barbie and a salad, and everything gets pooled for all to enjoy.  Today the Arnold-Kelly's provided the sausages, for what we would call hot dogs.  'Getto dogs' is what Andrew calls them.  They don't have hot dog buns here; they wrap their sausages in a slice of bread spread with butter!  Kiwi's don't seem to be strong on desserts.  The only time we've seen dessert was at the wedding. Afterwards we visited, chatted, some of the younger crew played a frisbee game called 'frisbeer', somebody had brought a huge remote control helicopter.  The Canadians just tried to stay in the shade!  Tonight we can see that we've all gotten sun - even though we had put on 30 sunblock.

the wedding venue

a flaming gum tree, just starting to bloom

It is the day of the wedding!! A bit cloudy, but the sun is trying to shine through the clouds. The high is 23 C. We've just had breakfast, now it is time to slowly get ready – taking turns in the shower, etc. Then a short walk to the Stoke fruit and vegie market; we need a few things for Charlotte to eat throughout the day. I'm beginning to think she eats as much as I do!!!! A lot for a 10 month old. The ceremony starts at 1:00 PM, with photos following. The tradition here is that an entire group photo is taken of ALL the people who have come to the wedding. And there will be more people at the ceremony than at the actual reception. After that photo, pictures of the groom's side are taken. Not just immediate family, but everyone on his side. There is only the five of us, and nephew Mike with his girlfriend. And then the bride side. Here are a few more people there!! The bridal party will then go throughout Nelson for their wedding photos. Canapes at 4:00 PM, with a buffet supper at 5:30ish.

The resort where the wedding will take place, is about a 15 minute walk from our house, but we will take a cab there. Just a tad far, to walk to in our heels and long and fancy dresses. So now it's time to get ready!!!

I'll post this now, but the pictures will come later, as something here is VERY slow, and won't let us download or upload anything right now!!!

A rather coolish day here in Nelson today! A high of only 18 C, and it is cloudy now. The men folk, about 10 in total, went on an overnight fishing trip yesterday. According to a text from Andrew, they had caught enough fish for their supper, but we are hoping they have enough to bring home for the rest of us!!! So they will be coming back sometime today. The girls; Kristin, Charlotte, Marliese, Ania (my niece to be) and I took the bus into Richmond for a shopping expedition. The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home, and helping Bella finish making the table name tags, etc.

Bella and Andrew's home in Brisbane, Australia has been evacuated. Their street is in a suburb close to the river, and yesterday the order was given for everyone in that suburb to leave. Bella knows their cat has been taken to a friend's house. Their house backs up into a hill, and so the main floor may be ok, but their garage and entrance probably will get flooded. That is adding a lot of stress to an already stressed out Bella.

My mom has had her first radiation treatment, and needs 4 more. The drive into Winnipeg is rough on her, because highway 75 is in such rough shape, and VERY bumpy. So even in the midst of celebration and fun times, there are concerns and worries. Your prayers are very much appreciated.

coffee

making the place names