A Grand Day Out

A gorgeous sunny day, we hit the road. First stop the Suter Art Gallery for a bit of culture followed by a small but fiendish lemon curd tart with pistachio trimmings. Then a steep climb upwards to the symbolic centre of New Zealand. Thee views from the top were superb in every direction, Nelson laid out before us. Then another climb, followed by a long ridge walk, followed by a descent through a gum tree wood to the Founders' Park - a collection of heritage houses, saved from destruction and moved to the new site. It felt a bit toy town but was fascinating. A most delicious lunch, hummus plate with lots of dippy things, with a very cheeky glass of lunchtime wine. Next we went to the Japanese garden almost next door, very peaceful and attractive, and then admired the local Marae. A steep climb back up onto the hills as we retraced our steps, broken by a sit in a large tree sculpture thing at the summit - note new hairdo.
Finally ascending we chilled in the Queen's Park, another botanical treat full of the most astonishing and colossal trees - who knew what a camphor tree looked like. Not me. 
And now we've had another delicious meal at the local vegan restaurant, and yes, another glass of wine. We could almost be on holiday!The equilibrium is being restored.
We chatted with Esme and Joe this morning. Esme was looking magnificent in her brushed cotton pink bunny jimjams plus blue wellies! She is so going to fit into West Cork when she eventually gets there!
And thank you again for all the wonderful, supportive comments. It really has cheered me up. I shall catch up shortly.