Down Under 2014 | Tramping on the track and bathrooms that talk!

First you have to learn the language. Well actually first you have to go to the bathroom, and go again and again, if you don't believe your ears the first time. I was decidely impressed with her/him--knowing when to flush and when to start the water and when to stop, and when to begin the dryer, and how much time I had left before the door would automatically unlock. No dawdling here--10 minutes max that's it. No reading the newspaper.

We headed out on our first tramp on Wednesday on a section of the Queen Charlotte track. Who's Queen Charlotte you might ask. We did. Captain James Cook, sailing on the Endeavour named one of the sounds in this area (there are dozens) in 1770 or thereabouts for the consort of the King of England--at least that's what it says on the rock that is erected on Moutara Island Bird Sanctuary. Our trip started in Picton at 745 where we boarded the good ship Beachcomber for a 2-hour ride through the sound to Moutara where we had a quick up and down to the top from which Cook perused the lands and figured out it was two islands not one (Cook Strait divides them). The bird life is amazing really, with a chorus of song about you all the time.

From there it was a short water taxi ride over to Ship Cove, one of Cook's preferred hang outs, for our start of the walk, I mean tramp. It's difficult to describe this track, because nothing really happens. From the start at the Cove you climb for about 2 km with an elevation gain of 200 m over rocks and muck (it had rained for three days prior), lots of tree roots and the occasional clear bit of trail--make that track. From the top you can look across to the saddle which is your next destination, and part way there you come to a small picnic area again with views and an opportunity for lunch or, in our case, a much-needed  rest.  From there you tramp along for what seems forever with really nothing to see and nothing to tell you how far you've gone, or how far you have yet to go. with the boat scheduled to be at Furneaux Lodge at 4:15,  it really was just a race to get there and be sure that we did not miss our ride back to Picton. I hate to suggest that it was boring, but it was, well, let's just say boring. In all it's about 15km and we timed it at about 4.5 hrs, not bad considering the terrain and the climb at the start.

We had a great dinner out in Picton then drove back to Blenheim, cleaned up, and spent the evening with our hosts at our bed and breakfast. John and Lorna were fantastically helpful, John with a keen aptitude for the history and lore of the country, and Lorna anticipating our every need and sitting up late chatting over wine and a sampling of her home baking. We could not have been more comfortable or felt more welcome. Thank you both for making our stay in and around Blenheim so great. If you or anyone you know is heading to Blenheim or near there consider staying at John and Lorna's relaxing, beautifully landscaped home. You may even get a sample of John's barbecuing or smoking (of the food sort).