Nelson - Tuesday

Most of the group wanted to do the Abel Tasman National Park today which covers a large area of the coastline and coastal walks. We were't sure what the weather would be like today as yesterday it was pouring so Sue said she would check when she went swimming at 6am on Tuesday. Ao at 7am Sue popped her head around the door to say that it was a beautiful day and those who wanted to catch the 9.30 sea shuttle needed to be ready by 7.30. I'd had enought of rushing around so decided to have a lie in and give it a miss and explore Nelson instead and I'm glad I did.

After a leisurely breakfast I wandered over to the Cathedral which is just across the road from the backpackers. It's a beautiful building and the gentleman who welcomed me at the door told me he was from Liverpool and had emigrated 3 years ago as his wife was from New Zealand and wanted to be nearer her children. He was well into his 70's so fair play to him.
Then I meandered along the road to the jewellers - Jens Hansen who designed THE ring for Lords of the Rings. They had the original design ring in the shop and the sales lady was happy to talk about the rings there and about Jens. He apparently died before the film was released so he had no idea how famous his design would become. She showed me some other rings that had been made in relation to the design and there was one with an engraving 'Land of the mountains' - No idea why but I just bought it!!

Continued my walk through Nelson to the Founders Heritage Park which is a bit like the Welsh Folk museum with old style shops, schools, church etc. I enjoyed looking at all the old scenes and stopped for coffee where the ducks just came and hassled me for some of my cookie. No fear!

Then I went to the Myazu gardens which were in the style of a japanese garden - kind of restful to walk through.
Finally I walked back along the sea front back to the city and the backpackers hostel where I had a spot of lunch and all this before 2.30.
Sat on the balcony of the backpackers overlooking the Cathedral gardens - it is a lovely spot and the sunshine was so warm, such a contrast to the previous day.
Went to pick my ring up from the jewellers as it had to be re-sized and the lady let me take photographs of the 'Lord of the RIngs' rings which were on display.
Did a little more retail therapy and bought a top, so I'll have to throw something out to be able to fit it into my rucksack. Most of my clothes now are so well worn and I am really bored with them!

I've really had a great day to myself in Nelson and although I thought it was going to be relaxing my little legs are telling me that they've walk some distance today.

Love to all

Sue. xx