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March 04, 2005
Queen Charlotte Sound
(Day 17) Originally I had wanted to spend a day around Picton to see Queen Charlotte Sound. But the ferry ride from Wellington gave me al the photos I wanted, so we checked out of Sequoia Lodge and headed straight for Nelson.
A little about the ferry ride. It actually happened the previous day, but I had such a unique experience on Day 16 that it didn't seem appropriate to include it there. Anyways, I had been afraid of getting seasick again, but those fears were quickly dispelled when I saw the huge ship we would be sailing on. The ride was smooth, and the views were beautiful. There was a weird farm smell on deck though, which puzzled me, until I discovered the truckloads of sheep also crossing the Cook Strait.
Fast forward back to Day 17. Our chose route to Nelson took us through the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive. We stopped briefly in the town of Havelock, famous for their green lipped mussels, of which I had to try a mouthful before moving on.
We arrived in Nelson a little past noon. After checking in, I went for a walk arond town. The one landmark I really wanted to see was Jen Hansen jewellers, the palce where the One Ring of the Lord of the Rings movies was made. (Actually, they made several rings of different sizes to fit th actors' hands.) Authentic replicas of the ring could be ordered and crafted to fit yuor hand, each with the magical ability to make your money disappear.
I continued wandering around the shops. I stopped at a store to purchase a new day bag. My previous one, a real piece of crap, had ripped. For $40 NZ ($1 NZ = $.70 US) I bought a new one that I hope will last me much longer.
From across the street, I heard someone playing the tune of Henry Mancini's "Moon River" on his guitar and harmonica. I immediately thought of the lyrics.
Two drifters, off to see the world,
There's such a lot of world to see.
Though I am a solo traveller, those words felt very appropriate. It feels like I've seen a lot already in two and a half weeks, but there's still so much more!
Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Knowing people are reading keeps me motivated to continue the updates!
Posted by markyiin at March 4, 2005 04:50 PM
Comments
leaving for a 3 day hike tomorrow. the forecast seems to call for rain, i sure hope they're wrong, this hike is supposed to be great.
OREO: yeah, those emerald lakes were amazing!
JeffW: there seem to be a LOT of women travellers, even women travelling alone. not all of them are pretty though.. heh, most of them are quite average.
Ankit: heh, i wouldnt mind having more experiences like that in the future! btw, thanks for hosting my blog!
yitao: thats why i closed my door every night...
Scott: if that's the new fashion, i like it!
Jon: hey, i really was just trying to get her attention. really... well, ok... maybe not.
Posted by: markyiin at March 4, 2005 05:28 PM
Take advantage...
Never miss a genuine opportunity
Bud Light.
Posted by: jack at March 4, 2005 11:56 PM
Still havin' a blast following your trip, you should have contacted some airlines or something to have them sponsor your trip :)
Posted by: Justin at March 5, 2005 10:43 PM
Coincidentally, I was just watching the extended-cut version of the last movie of the Lord of the Rings over the weekend. I wonder if there would have been any info on where the rings were made in the "special features"?
Posted by: Jon at March 7, 2005 10:42 AM
hi! im mikes friend.. he told me about this big adventure of yours. i love/admire what youre doing :) great photography too!
Posted by: vivian at March 8, 2005 12:40 AM
I'm about 4 days behind... just finished my hike, now heading down the west coast of new zealand. Will update soon, as soon as i find an internet cafe that doesnt cost a fortune.
Posted by: markyiin at March 8, 2005 02:46 PM
Awesome, I look forward to hearing about the hike =)
Posted by: OREOSpeedwagon at March 8, 2005 06:04 PM
You should've brought along some scopolamine patches. You know, the ones you put right behind your ear to prevent motion sickness. I'm such a pharmacy nerd. lol You've been gone for a while but you've done quite a lot. I agree though, even though it feels like you've done so much, there's still so much more out there. Enjoy every single bit of it. -=oD -GEM
Posted by: GEM at April 11, 2005 05:35 AM