Bye bye Kaikoura - Hello Nelson?

left beautiful, wonderful, interesting, friendly Kaikoura today. Stopped at the seal colony and watched, through binoculars (because the tide was in and the seals were on rocks very far away) the behaviour of the seals. It was amazing, like a wildlife on one episode. Some seals were playing in the water (I'm sure they were fishing, but they looked like they were playing, lying on their backs with their flippers in the air) while others were climbing on the rocks. These guys can move fast on land, they aren't like our seals who wobble along in a cumbersome way. Think of the sea lions in Dublin Zoo and you are getting the idea of what these fur seals are like. most of the seals were basking on the rocks, and there was an enormous bull down by the shore. Anyway, a spat broke out between two seals and after a little fight, the victor chased the other seal towards the water, where the big bull stopped them. The poor little seal in the middle was stuck between a rock and a hard place and didn't know which way to turn. Thankfully the big bull and the other aggressor started to fight, so the one in the middle could slip away, and then all the seals on the rocks joined in and jumped into the water. it was amazing.

Drove north west today. Had lunch in Blenheim in the D'Urville hotel. It is in the heart of wine country, with vineyards all around and only local wine on the list in the hotel. It was a beautiful day and we sat outside in the balcony area. There wasn't much of a view - just the back of some buildings - but the sun was warm and there was a wall of water fountain which was pleasant. Blenheim was surprisingly big, but we drove on to Nelson, which is a city. I don't like Nelson. I don't know if it is because I am tired from the day driving, or I'm hungry or what it is, but I am picking up bad vibes. Had a wander about the city to find the church for Mass tomorrow. We could have been back in dundalk. There was a group of about 5 young girls in t-towels of skirts and very high heels, laughing and falling about the place. we walked on and passed a group of hoodies lurking about the Anglican cathedral, then further travels revealed young lads with cases of beer. I don't like Nelson, I can't wait to leave.