October 11, 2023
We’re in Nelson, bunking down in backpackers’ accommodation. Takes us back a bit. As does Nelson itself, as L revisited places of his boyhood. The house where he grew up in the Wood is now gone, but two doors along the house of his grandparents still stands, in mint condition, architecturally unchanged. I’m sure he’ll fill you in on some details of various exploits such as catastrophes involving cricket balls and tomato glasshouses on the property behind.
Our accommodation at the Bridge Street Backpackers is basic but clean and comfortable (no visible spiders or webs, no suspect nooks and crannies — my benchmarks for acceptability). As with last night’s accommodation, we have an ensuite but no cooking facilities. Budget accommodation but good value for money. L braved the communal kitchen and cooked up a delicious meal. A host of young people and two cute dogs here, all very friendly. And noisy. The dogs took turns to gaze imploringly at us as we ate. We resisted the temptation.
A reasonable amount of walking today despite the car journey from Picton to Nelson – I managed my 10,000 steps plus. We drove the Queen Charlotte Drive, which is picturesque but also undergoing some major road works as a result of floods and storms. Nor is it all pretty scenery — along Highway 6 there’s plenty of clear-felled bare earth with only slash left. Ugly. And distressing to see on a steep hillsides.
Of course, being seaside, we had to check out the marina. We both like looking at boats, albeit for different reasons. L loves the boats of course: He’ll say ‘See that boat over there? That’s Blah Blah, originally from X. That one there, that’s an H28.’ Or did he say H26? I can’t remember. I give up. I listen, but it never sticks. So, L likes the boats. I’m more for the general ambience of a boat harbour.
Nelson is also a place of art. We have enjoyed walking around the streets looking at the reproductions on buildings of works by Nelson artists such as Jane Evans and Toss Woollaston. And I saw a great inner city apartment garden. I didn’t get a photo, that would’ve been too intrusive. As best I could see (and remember), it was a long narrow strip with raised concrete terraces between gardens in front of a couple of single storey apartments. I’ll have to get another look, but it was a good illustration of what can be done with a long narrow space.
Photos to come separately … too tired for more tonight.
Off Highway One 