February 5, 2024 Nelson, New Zealand Day 47 of 138.

 Today was the port that almost didn't happen. Our local pilot boarded our ship to take us into the harbor around 7 am. He tried the first attempt, and we turned around. The announcement was made that the winds were preventing us from entering the harbor safely. They said excursions were on hold if or when we were able to dock. This did not sound good. We headed up to the Explorer Lounge to see what was up. We got there in time to see us make a second attempt. We were pretty close to entering a narrow opening to the harbor, when we noticed the ship turning around. We were all thinking this would be it, and we would chalk this port up on the no go side. It was a good 30 minutes later we notice we are attempting a third try to enter Nelson New Zealand, and this time we were successful. Whew, Nelson here we come. We are two and a half hours late getting started on our excursions, but we are here, and with the exception of the wind it is a beautiful day, blue skies, and sunshine. The temperature was in the 70's and got up to 74 before the day was done.

Mike caught sunrise for me this morning. Sunrise is at 6:36 am and sunset at 8:34 pm. We are enjoying the long days.

We are off on an excursion. I tried to schedule the first excursions of the day, and it is working out good for us. Because we were late docking our excursions were cut a little short, so the sightseeing drive around town was shortened. Nelson is located on the South Island, and boost the most sunshine days of all New Zealand. It is a smaller town, but very cute. They have a shopping district and Cathedral.

The date on the Cathedral is 1842. English settlers started arriving in New Zealand in 1833. The largest influx was between 1840-1852. I was amazed how fast they got a Cathedral and businesses up and running.

The next stop was ...

This is a private collection of over 150 cars spanning more than 115 years of motoring. Mike loved looking at the cars, I loved the hood ornaments, as you can tell from the pictures.

Mike's favorite author Clive Cussler has a 1911 Locomobile. We found a 1916 Locomobile at this museum. Can you see the windshield is for the driver only?

Alice and Josh Johnson's family this one is for you. Also Alexis, Joel Ewing love chickens.

Can you tell I had a great time finding and photographing the unusual hood ornaments.

Let me know what is everyone's favorite hood ornament?

Time to leave. This was a fun excursion that we all enjoyed. On the drive home I saw a sign I have been trying to get a photo of.

Instead of Yield they say Give Way. Also notice this was a two for shot. Notice this cute place serving Hot pies, Sausage Rolls, and something filled.

Back at the port this was part of our view.

So we could see a lumber yard. It is one of their main exports to China, Japan, and one other country. We were told China and Japan take the logs out to international waters, mill the lumber and sell it back to the countries without ever taking it back to their country. This is where the shipping containers get loaded and unloaded. We were told that every shipping container is accounted for, even the ones that fall off the ships. They know what is in the container, where is is suppose to go, and where it is stored. Every port has had them stacked up to 6 high.

After a quick lunch we took the shuttle back into town to explore. I got a picture of their Art Museum and some local art.

Our view from our ship of the entry and exit to the harbor.

They had a natural bolder reef that enclosed the area that is now their harbor. They cut a narrow gap to allow for ship traffic.

I can't not show you Mike's dessert tonight. I could not figure out how to photograph this for the best angle, So this is what I got. It was a Chocolate Cherry dessert. He enjoyed it.

Honestly we could take a picture of each dish, but what fun would that be. Just know we do not lack for food, and we look forward to the next meal. What will we ever do to get back into the habit of fending for ourselves. LOL