sat. 8th jan.

left Napier yesterday, had been kept awake at night by the seals in the marine park opposite barking, i think they were lonely, the park was shut because the performing dolphin had died and well can not be replaced!. traveled by bus to wellington with no problems and arrived at the ferry terminal for the trip across the cook straights, got a ferry straight away as it was running late. i have never seen so much cargo being loaded train tracks entered the boat (cycle went on the train deck so got a good view). Spectacular entrance to south island along queen charlotte sound, camped at midgy sight last night and cycled to renwick today. bought cherries onions, spinach along way plum tree above tent tonight, avoided buying apricots nectarines and peaches as could not carry them. Also prevented keith buying 35 dollar bottle of wine after a tasting at one of the many vine yards we have passed (7 dollar bottle from shop instead) also visited agricultural machinery museum and saw hundreds of old tractors.