Day Two - Tuesday

After the overnight with Gino and Heather it was a delight to face the traditional breakfast at Uno Piu. Gino prides himself on a selection of lovely in season fruits supported by fresh pancakes and lovely cheeses and salamis The coffee is about 100 octane Italian rocket fuel!! Then it was time to face the daily care of Sally.

She is burning virtually no oil, but the water level slides down ever so slowly and needs a top up at the start of the day - it may be leaking from the radiator cap. However, she does not miss a beat and takes on the hills with gusto even loaded with all out baggage. We cruised through Blenheim and then down the east coast of the South Island making our way towards the Kaikoura Peninsula for lunch. This was Nysa's driving day and she had lost none of the skills of driving her Mini. Couldn't go past the Kekerengu Store without taking a break for another coffee.

Then a couple of kilometres before Kaikoura we came upon Nin's Bin - a small caravan parked by the roadside. It contained a large variety of crayfish and for an additional $5 they will clean, split and steam the poor creature with garlic butter. Had to have one of those and fortunately in our pile of groceries was a bottle of Marlborough Savignon Blanc. (Such is life!!) Refuel at Kaikoura and then took the inland road past the Mount Lyford Ski Field to the thermal town of Hamner where we had a massage and sauna appointment set for 5:10 pm. What a beautiful drive, and met the traditional flock of sheep on the way. Whilst engaging the farmer in polite conversation one of his fine sheep dogs made an overture to Sally by urinating on the left rear wheel. I am told it is a sign of affection, but the dogs are so big here - and the car so small. Such is life in the country.

We arrived late for the sauna but did the massage with the promise of the sauna and swim the following morning. They have spent a huge amount on the facilities at the Hamner pools and the sauna massage area is so tranquil and serene. With the massage satisfied, we came across a lovely french restaurant called Chantinilles on the way back to the Village Lake Apartments. Called in for a Gin and Tonic - but stayed for the Mussel Chowder as well. The apartments are a modern well furnished and roomy establishment. We had stayed there previously early in our relationship. The pasta, salad and red wine we had bought for dinner that night will now have to wait for another night!!