Gym's Ramblings: Proceeding to Picton and Transit to the Tropics

Yes, Gym and his beautiful accomplice, reached the South Island on May 18, 2018. The Insignia docked at the port of Picton and our intrepid couple got off to claim this land for Bel-Aire and to check out the town. Picton is a small town and currently is home to just 4300 inhabitants. It's main claim to fame is that it is a major hub in New Zealand's road and rail transportation network.

The first thing you will notice when you arrive in Picton are the large ferries docked in the port. Blueridge and Interislander both run ferry service between Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island. There are several sailings every day by both companies and the service runs about $500 for a return trip, if you are just two passengers in a car. Trains are also shunted on and off these ferries providing the rail link.

Other than the ferries, Picton is a base for hikers and scuba divers to explore the Queen Charlotte Sound but the town isn't a destination on its own. There is a nice waterfront there and some funky looking pubs and cafe's but our adventurers just wanted to stretch their legs. They strolled past the ferry terminals and along the waterfront, walked past the historic Oxley's Hotel and Pub and then crossed over the yacht marina on the iconic Coat Hanger Bridge. On the other side, they carried on for a ways past Shelley Beach and on to the yacht club, stopping to watch some fisherman real in their catch from Queen Charlotte Sound. They then returned to the ship, stopping to pick up some Hokey Pokey ice cream on the way back. That was the extent of South Island visit.

If they'd had more time they would have driven up the hill to the Marlborough Wine Region. It is there that Kim Crawford grows the Sauvignon Blanc grapes for their award winning white wine. And of course they didn't get to see Christchurch, Dunedin, the Melford Sound or the Southern Alps which are further on down the highway. So, Gym and Mrs. Gym are already hatching a plan to drive from one end of New Zealand to the other on a future trip.

On the evening of May 18th, the Insignia left New Zealand and began a second major leg at sea, as the Insignia cruised northward to the island kingdom of Tonga, 1500 miles away. It would take four days. Gym was excited about beginning the true tropical portion of the itinerary as they would be travelling from 41S to 21S latitude where the days were longer and hopefully the weather was more pleasant.

Stay tuned!