This morning we were up fairly early to pack the car prior to leaving Blenheim. Then it was time for our morning briefing about the route at 9.30 am. Everything prepared, we left on the tour: first stop was Monkey Bay where we had a small walk down to a tiny hidden cove.
After driving round more vast areas of vines we visited Spy Valley. Actually the name of a vineyard, but also the road leading to a ministry of defence site where two huge receivers sat, presumably listening to the world!
Lunch was at the Drylands Winery: an excellent buffet with the chance to try several of their own wines. Then it was time for the final presentations by Frank. This was also when Mick and I took the opportunity to present the three TR t-shirts we had brought with us, and to give a t-shirt to Robert to thank him for all his help and hospitality. He got a 'Ay up me duck' shirt, and Stella got a book explaining East Midlands sayings and dialect so she could translate.
Lots of good byes to many new friends, plus an exchange of addresses and promises, then we set off on the tour. Back through the hills to Havelock, then over another hill, along a very windy road, back to Nelson.
We are staying at a small motel, a few hundred meters from the main group (we had booked our accommodation very late!) very close to Tahunanui beach. After sorting ourselves out we wandered down to meet the rest, and ended up sharing beer with Grant and Bev and Steve and Rob before eventually going to a local pizza restaurant where we had one of the best pizzas ever; marinated lamb, sun dried tomatoes, olives and mint flavoured yoghurt on a thin base cooked in a wood fired oven - yum!!
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