For the first time in a week we did not have to be up and walking the Queen Charlotte Track in order to rendezvous with a water taxi or meet a deadline of our own doing. It was cause for a sleep-in all round, with nothing but a visit to the local market on the agenda. High cloud made the morning appear overcast, yet the temperature was mild and shorts or three-quarter pants were the order of the day.
Following breakfast we headed into the centre of Nelson to see what bargains could be found at the weekly Farmers’ Market. In particular, we were after items that would form the basis of lunches and evening meals in between visits to local sights, wineries, etc.
The markets were helps in a large square in the centre of town, and were in full swing by the time we arrived. They provided an eclectic mix of things locally grown, cooked, baked, made, knitted or manufactured. Plenty of fresh seasonal vegies and fruit seemed to find their way into our carry bags.
A coffee was eventually in order, and by complete coincidence we chose to visit the same coffee shop Prince Charles and Camilla visited a fortnight ago on their visit to the Farmers’ Market. Apparently patronage has gone through the roof since the Royal visitation. A visit to the Tourist Information Centre provided brochures and maps that will help us plot a course through the local wineries when we venture out in that direction at some stage.
The afternoon was what the travel brochures would call “at leisure”. Backpacks were emptied of their contents and put out in the sun to dry. Muddy boots, walking poles and wet weather gear was also cleaned and hung out to dry. Washing was done and clean clothes packed away as thoughts turned to dinner.
After some careful online research, we found the best-rated fish & chip shop in Nelson about 10 minutes drive away. The shop was on the other side of Nelson around Tasman Bay. Once our order was placed we heard all about how it was difficult to get decent staff. Most, according to the guy managing proceedings, lacked basic Maths skills; including giving change and how many items in a dozen. The lecture about failing education standards was worth it though, as the blue cod was delicious. Dinner was finished as the sun set on another evening in Nelson.