A Taste Of Summer

Roll on summer! For two days in a row we've been treated to warm, summery Nelson days. 
Unfortunately, Paddy has had several rough days, and today he seemed to have bounced back so we decided to take the bus somewhere for the afternoon. Not wanting to go too far, we chose Rabbit Island.

We found a nice, place to park under some pine trees to provide some shade. While Bernie put the jug on for a cuppa, I took the dogs for a walk. And I found a great spot beside the water that looked like a better place to park.  And one of the many bonuses that we've found since having this bus, is it's SO easy to pack up and move. Bliss.

The water seemed a striking bluey green colour, which I thought was due to wearing sunglasses, but when I took them off, I was surprised to see, the water was actually that colour!

Bernie enjoyed some R&R while I took the dogs for another wander. When I got back, we sat and enjoyed a cuppa.

Who would have thought that this little spot could provide so much entertainment? First there was a guy nearby, sitting on a rock fishing. Every few minutes he reeled in a fish. They were only small (herrings) but he had a bucket full in no time. He said he'd either fry them up, or make sushi with them.

He caught a few eels, but they were thrown back.

Oakly was particularly interested in the shags. They too, had a lucky day fishing.

More times than not, whenever they dove under the water they'd emerge with a fish.

There was also human activity on the water, in the form of paddle boarders and jet skiers.

And just before we went home, I took the dogs for another walk. I was hoping to get a photo of the tui that had been singing his/her heart out, most of the afternoon, but I was out of luck. All I got was a shag and a seagull.

Rabbit Island is a great spot to unwind and relax. Perhaps the only thing that would make it better, is if camping was allowed. 

Oh ... and being a dog person, I think, it would be fantastic if dogs were allowed on the beach.

Good News For McKee Domain Campers

All going to plan, McKee Domain should be open for the 2018/2019 summer. And for many campers, that's fantastic news.
We decided to take a drive over to Ruby Bay to check out how things were looking at this popular camping spot.

As you can see, the tide was well out. So we parked the bus along the beach front and walked along the beach towards McKee Domain.

We're aware that McKee Domain doesn't allow any dogs, so we kept to the beach and every few hundred metres I took a peek over the bunds to see how the camping ground was looking.

The entrance is closed to traffic and although the camp's future can't be guaranteed because of climate change and possible erosion (in the event of extreme weather), it's good to know work is underway to reopen it again.

Many trees and shrubs have been removed as a result of the saltwater deluge after the February cyclone and new plants planted.

Fortunately the playground survived the storm and new bark was being placed around the swings, slides etc.  

All the steel rungs that were used as steps from the camp down to the beach had been washed away and lay lying on the foreshore.

The damaged water system has been repaired and to ensure infrastructure can cope the campground numbers will be monitored. The current maximum 250 campers is under review.

I was keen to see if the bench seat under a tree at the end of the camp was still there. I've many fond memories of sitting on that seat, gazing out to sea. And surrounded in debris the seat with the million dollar views was still there!

The end of the camp leads out to the beach where you can walk towards Kina Beach under huge, towering cliffs.

After having a nose around we wandered back to the bus. In the distance towards Mapua you can see a row of pine trees running along the beach front that have turned a rusty brown after being damaged by saltwater (due to the Feb storm).

We were under the watchful eye of the local neighbourhood watch seagulls.

Back at the bus we sat on a washed up log and admired the view, with a cuppa in hand. 

When the tide's out you can see why this bay is such a safe and popular place to swim. A couple of summers ago when we stayed at McKee Domain we went for a swim after dinner. The tide was in and the water was like a bath. Although it took awhile to walk out so it was deep enough to be over our heads, it was nice swimming in an area that was luke warm with no undertows. It's a fabulous spot.

Kina Peninsula

Whenever we go out in the bus, Bernie insists that I drive. And after a few outings, I'm getting used to the extra length.   

Today we took the bus for a drive to Kina Peninsula (it's close to Motueka - in the Taman/Nelson region). We parked in the Baigent Reserve, beside the Moutere Inlet. Although no camping is allowed it's a great spot to spend a few hours (or the day). There's a large grassy, sheltered area with barbecues and toilets nearby. 

It's a popular spot to launch boats and jet skis ... plus it's ideal for picnics, swimming and kayaking. 

Each side of the peninsula has access to the beach. One side is Tasman Bay and the other is the Moutere Inlet.

Many wattles smothered in bright, yellow flowers filled the air with the sweet smell of spring.

The distinctive chortling of tuis bustling about in the branches got me all excited, I was hoping to get a photo - but I didn't have any luck. 
However, this cute little guy flew down beside us while we were having a cuppa, to see if we had anything yummy to share.

It was heart warming to see Paddy relaxed and happy after months of being unwell.