Nov 08 Easy Day Nelson to Picton

Left campsite early after a good night’s sleep. Crept through the multiple rotaries to get downtown, we were going to check out the weekly market.

Found this little Alfa Romeo Spider to park behind…

Walked the market, found a few cool things but were restricted by what we thought we could get back on the plane. Back in the van. Denise suggested a shortcut that would slice miles off, but being a smaller line on the map following the coast, the speed would probably significantly slower.

Yep. Another chunk of convoluted tarmac that made me wish I was on a motorcycle. Sun beating down, beautiful inlets to our left, we crept along the sharp bends , averaging 40km/hr. Climbed up a hillside that jutted out into the ocean, it had a pulloff at the top.

Looking out to sea…



Turning 180 degrees, looking back toward the mainland…

Yeah. Like that. Green-blue water, tiny homes tucked away near the shore.

Before we knew it, we found ourselves descending down to the harbor sheltering the ferry and the small town of Picton…

A quick day. We parked downtown in a lot specifically for campervans and went for a bite/beer at a nice little outdoor café on a busy corner, enjoying the easy day and the sun. Just enough breeze to be comfortable.

Found Alexanders’ Campsite with wireless!!! We planned to walk to a town overlook decided to stay “in” and cook, utilizing our provisions now time is getting short.

Tried to sleep, but the 4 trains overnight on the elevated trestle just behind the site ensured a fragmented evening. Didn’t mention that in the campsite brochure, either.

New rule. No campsites near airports, freeways, or train yards.

Going to try hop on a boat in the am and return to the North Island to do a few more things and eventually return the van and fly away home.

Goodnight, y’all