Double Disappointment Fades

Jean writes:

Kaikoura is well known for the whales that can be seen offshore all year round.

I decided to be very extravagant and book the whale watching boat (on top of the harbour cruise in Akaroa).  

Was really looking forward to it and dressed appropriately, only to find that the trip (along with others this afternoon) had been cancelled due to heavy winds.

As if that wasn't enough, I decided to enjoy the sea view from the board walk above the beach while writing postcards.  "Oh!" thought I, "That's wet, I wonder what it is".   Sea gull droppings, all down my front! 

Problems fade, though, when in such a beautiful environment:

Kaikoura Bay and the mountains

The local rock formations

The seals

We also took the chance to visit the Kaikoura Museum - a worthy place with lots of local artefacts, photos, newspaper clippings, machinery and utensils.  Fine for two old duffers like us, but I don't think it would hold the interest of youngsters.

I'm optimistic about the chances of whale watching tomorrow morning (we don't plan to leave the area until the afternoon).

Dave writes:

On me bike again

Hired a bike for a couple of hours this afternoon to head round the beautiful bay.

Outstanding views round various corners as I made for the seal colony which populates the edge of  the bay.

Only one sighted as it happened but returning later by car with Jean saw around half a dozen on rocks about 300 metres out to sea.

Plan to return tomorrow as there are several walking tracks and viewpoints over the ocean which are quite spectacular.

Not A1

Out motel is called Bella Vista and we do have oblique views from our room towards a splendid mountain backdrop.

So the vista is fairly Bella but alas the A1 highway from Christchurch to Picton is only around 70 metres from our room.

Not so Bella.

Some HGVS  rolled past through the early hours, straining as they reached top of hill where the motel is sited and to confound matters encouraging a barking dog a couple of houses down the hill.

Hoping for better tonight and taking comfort from two positive items.

One is that we've managed to sort out engaging reverse on the hire car.

The other is that I note that Middlesbrough have moved top of the Championship - just in time for the Cup game with Arsenal.

Can this all be true, I wonder.