Blenheim to Wellington

Due to “operational reasons” the Bluebridge Ferry Connemara was 2 hours late leaving Wellington and, surprise surprise, we were 2 hours late leaving Picton. The official reason was due to southerlies on the Cook Strait all week, but there was no issue on Saturday, lovely calm crossing. Oh well…

We did have a nice drive from Blenheim to Picton. Took a detour to Rarangi for a short stroll on the beach. Waves rolling in, sunny warm day, absolutely wonderful.

We had some time to wander around Picton, and sat overlooking the harbour having coffee. Lots of good memories sailing in the Sounds and visiting Picton. A bit busier than it used to be but it’s primarily a stopover point for people taking ferries to and from Wellington. We had planned on checking in early for the ferry then grabbing lunch in Picton but that didn’t work out so well. Did have a nice toastie and great chat with the owner of the toastie/coffee cart though.

Our hotel in Wellington, the Ramada, normally shuts down their check-in desk around 6:00 pm. We were checked in online and put our expected arrival at 7:30 pm, arrived at 7:28 pm and the duty manager was still there, expecting us. He was leaving at 7:30 so we made it with 2 minutes to spare! Really nice guy and super helpful. He found us a place to park (free) and got our room cards out of the self check-in lockbox. Couldn’t have asked for better service! Our king suite turned out to a bit nicer than we expected. It has a well equipped small kitchen, washer and dryer, and a very comfy king bed. We’re on the back of the hotel so not the best view, but quiet.

Off to see our friends Jan and Tony for coffee this morning then back to Palmerston North for a week.