Picton to Nelson City

 

Breakfast at the Kipplaw House was terrific - AGAIN!  I had this beautiful fruit which I topped with yogurt and homemade granola.

Dennis and I split the pastry with the fruit on top, each with one of these star-shaped pastries topped with apples and spices.  And I know how to make both pastries.  I bought the cookbook - "The Real McHugh," written by our hostess, Margaret McHugh.  She is a bonified chef and has traveled the world collecting recipes and cooking for the rich and famous. If you are ever in New Zealand, you must stay at the beautiful Kippilaw House and have anything this incredible woman makes. Dennis also had bacon & eggs with sauteed mushrooms and broiled tomatoes, plus toast.  I was too full to even attempt another course.

We intended to hike today, but we could not find where the boat left to take us to our island hike. Talk about bad directions!  Boo-hiss! So we came to Nelson and are staying at a wonderful B & B called the Annick House.  I walked five miles just touring/shopping downtown Nelson.  Way bigger than I expected. I bought a sample hand lotion, and that was all.  Miracle. 

There are so many beautiful flowers and trees here in New Zealand.   Things that grow 3 to 5 feet in the U. S. grow 10 to 12 feet here. Nick (tonight's host), said they have fifty feet of top soil.

Almost hard to tell the painted building from the trees.

There are many steps leading to the Christ Church Cathedral Nelson. The Neo-gothic cathedral was constructed in Takaka Marble.

In New Zealand, or at least at Nelson Cathedral, they celebrate Christmas until January 15th.  I had to vote for which Christmas Tree I liked the best.  There were more than 50 because I voted for the number 50, and it was not the last one.

I liked these unusual stained glass windows.

I have seen many of these bell-shaped flowers in Spain.

Loved the Red Rider photo and the story of her ride worldwide.

My first cat sighting.  She reminded me of Abby Tabby, who crossed the rainbow bridge a few months ago.  She was the matriarch and such a special girl. I miss her something awful.

Dennis and I had dinner at the Prince Albert Pub.  Do any of you remember when kids used to call businesses and ask if they had Prince Alber in a Can?  If they did, the little heathens would say, "then let him out!"  Of course, that was so funny when you were a kid! I had Chicken Kiev and Dennis had Stir Fried Chicken and Cashews.  Didn't expect either one at a pub.

So hopefully, tomorrow, we will hike again!  Until then - no worries!