Yesterday evening's sunshine did not return; we left Nelson under a cloud literally (it was pouring) and figuratively (I was grumpy). A supermarket stop, and an expensive purchase of some mobile data later, and we were on the road, going west.
It was three hours of more twisty-turny mountainous road, the only colours the dark green of the forested hills and the grey of clouds/ sky/ rivers (no clear blue water today); plus a sprinkling of red from the pretty little flowers that grow on the verges around New Zealand. We lunched on a cold mountain top (cloud obscuring the view), then started our descent. The manufactured pine forest gave way to the virgin mixed forest of the Kahurangi National Park, which increased the shades of green in sight; and the various creeks and waterfalls feeding into the main river we were following also attracted the eye; but the rain stayed the same.
Reaching the West Coast, famed for its beautiful beaches, we stopped by a beachside free camping spot (Jemima driving the motorhome along the dirt track, which she loved); but the weather reduced its appeal. So we retreated to a nearby campsite for a bacon, sausage, egg, beans, tomatoes, toast dinner in the camp kitchen to thaw out. Jemima got busy with her glue stick, lovingly creating some torn up paper masterpieces; then she and Kevin had lots of fun with some nerf guns (that and the glue stick also being supermarket purchases). So after a good meal, and a good play, and some mood-improving red wine for me, we turned in, still raining, soggy underfoot, but at least cosy in our tin home, and with the West coast to explore tomorrow.
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