PICTON – GREYMOUTH
The scenery approaching Picton, through the Queen Charlotte Sound, reminded us of Maine or similar areas with piney woods, no signs of life, and steep slopes to the water. Picton is a small town and we rented a car and headed the 2+ hours to Nelson, a more substantial town, for 2 nights. We were able to get our bearings, do some laundry, slow things down a bit as it rained on our first full day. We did a walkabout through the small town and I was finally able to find what I’d been looking for for over a month – a lightweight, very collapsible/foldable waterproof backpack. The one I had was somewhat small, bulky when packed up, and not waterproof, so I’d been perpetually worried about having electronics – camera and phones, and not having the gear to keep them dry. I found an osprey lightweight, collapses to a ball the size of an apple, and a old fashioned dry bag. I have dry bags, I think!, back home unless I gave them away, but none were as light as what I got this time. When there’s risk of rain, everything goes in the dry bag and then in the pack, otherwise everything in the pack. And then when not needed, it all scrunches up to not much. Very pleased with my find!!!
We spent 2 nights in Nelson, enjoying a great restaurant and walks in the rain!!!! We left on the fEB 12 and drove south along the west coast, stopping at Pancake Rocks, and then looking for lodging in Greymouth. None to be found so we headed east thru Albert’s Pass and fortunately found a room around 8pm so we could stop for the night. The next day was into Christchurch.