Wedding Crashers

Saturday we left Picton and took the scenic route to Nelson, stopping frequently along the way to take pictures.  As we drove along the coast we noticed many cars parked along the side of the road.  We turned around, thinking that this must be an especially beautiful scenic stop.  As we started walking up the road to a hiking path, we discovered that we were walking beside a woman dressed in silk, wearing high heels, holding the hand of a young boy wearing black pants and a white tuxedo-type shirt.   Bagpipes could be heard in the distance.  "What's going on?" I asked the fancy dressed lady.  She replied, "My daughter is getting married."  Will and I continued to the top of the hill where the guests were waiting for the arrival of the bride.  By this time will was saying, "Let's get out of here!"  So  we hurried to the start of the hiking trail.  At this point we were trapped as the ceremony had started.  Also trapped was a nice young couple from Holland who were riding their bikes all over the southern island.  Their 20 month old daughter was in the carrier behind one of the bikes and their camping gear was attached.  (What energy these young folks have!)  The "I do's " were said and the champagne popped, and we proceeded down the hill, calling ourselves "wedding crashers"!

We continued to Nelson where we checked into another one of those backpacker hostels.  We called our new friend, Mary whom we had met on the ferry.  We made plans to go to her cottage on the sea.  Mary's family cottage is around 100 years old and she has been coming there for as long as she can remember.  It is a darling cottage, painted green with red roof and accents.  When we arrived, Will and I walked on the beach and Will swam in the ocean.  I was the life guard.

Mary had made reservations at the Apple Shed located next to the sea.  The dinner was very special.  Mary suggested that we start with an olive plate--------Greek olives and green stuffed olives in a warm orange-flavored sauce, homemade crusted bread to dip into an olive oil/balsamic vinegar  and spread with roasted garlic.   We thought it only proper to have a  Nelson wine------Neudorf sauvignon blanc.  I ordered salmon with quinoa saffron and sultana pilaf with coconut yogurt dressing.  Will had the Apple Shed specialty---- the fish of the day, Turbot, with pea and prawn risotto with lemon hollandaise sauce. 

We enjoyed Mary's company as she told us about life, politics and work in NZ.  Mary is making a life change by returning to make the cottage her permanent home.