We've Made it to Marlborough!

Another visit to Dunedin NZMCA on the 19th and then we were off! We had a straight forward drive, stopping for David to finally have some of Hampdens Blue Cod, it was third time lucky trying to find the Take Away open. We ended our day at Waihoa Box, a place we've driven into but not stayed. It's interesting to see this flood protection structure which was built in 1910 to replace the original which was swamped and destroyed in 1908. It's protected by the Heritage Places Trust. The drive in was flat but oh so muddy. It's 'highway 1' for the local farmers feed out wagons and their cows crossing. Next day we explored a wee bit, visiting McCullochs Bridge for future camping reference, then continued around the block to Waimate where we visited a small but very good Farmers Market, excellent produce and fresh meat. We waited to cross the road there as dozens of motorbikes rumbled through the town. Saturday night we stayed at the Timaru T and C where we enjoyed dessert followed by the rugby final. Go the Crusaders! Great game!
The Thompsons POP, in Rangiora was up to its usual high standards. Thanks Christine and Allan. We headed north and discovered the Parnassus NZMCA Camp. It's a real little gem and we'll visit again. We loved the walk out at South Bay Kaikoura, exploring the rocks on the other side and the night at the NZMCA camp, north end. Marfells Beach is a favourite of ours but this time the weather was wild however we did manage a decent beach walk and a forage of the wild greens that grow there. The big winds made for great kite surfing conditions and one surfer got some huge lifts.... we're thinking 10 to 15 M high. I'm always fascinated by the Pinenut forests on the way in. They're so different from the usual ones we see.
The weather really turned to custard over the next few days with extensive flooding and damage throughout the top of the South Island. We stayed a couple of nights at the Blenheim Truckstop, just south of the town. This is flat, power available and with a great ablution block, all controlled through the Penny app. They also have motel units which was great for us. We picked grandson, Sam, up from the Blenheim Airport and we were supposed to be heading to Picton but the road was closed so popped Sam into one of the units for night. Was SO good to get my hands on a grandie! We dropped Sam off the next day, in pouring rain, to his drop off point for his 21 day Outward Bound experience. Very exciting! It was so lovely to stay with Stuart, brother in law, in Waikawa Bay, Picton. I took over the kitchen and we enjoyed a roast of lamb along with the chatter. David and Stuart relived their common pasts and of course David discovered more about his family history. Stuart is an encyclopedia for our combined family histories. It's wonderful to hear him chat.
We're now at beautiful Momorangi Bay for a couple of nights. This is a fabulous DOC camp with great facilities, power, grey waste connection at each powered site, excellent kitchen and bathroom facilities. We're right on the water front but the nonpowered sites are across the road and elevated and look just as lovely. Highly recommend this place despite the disruption of road works from Picton. We're thinking that our DOC pass is now well and truly in the green. A great investment to make.Okumaya devam et