Marlborough Sounds - Elaine Bay

The ferry docked right on time at 1.25 pm. The sailing is three hours and the last hour is up the sounds, with lovely views into coves and hills and mountains in the distance. We filled with fuel and set off. We have decided to stay in Marlborough Sounds for most of the week, moving to a different part when we feel like it! The only fixed point on the calendar is next Monday when we leave the van and catch a bus to Wanaka.
We drove out from Picton on the Queen Charlotte Drive, this is a steep twisty road but there are some great viewpoints, so it is worth all the gear changing! We joined the SH 6 through Havelock until the French Pass road, it was 39 km from the junction to Elaine Bay on the Pelorus Sound. Once again the road is hilly and twisty! There is a small DOC site here right on the waters edge with a beautiful view. Unfortunately quite a few other people like it here too and we got the last pitch on the beach edge. As I write this the following morning, I notice that a couple of vans have left, so we may make a small move later on.. We came here three years ago and it is just as beautiful as I remembered !
This morning, after a lazy start, we have walked to Piwakawaka Bay, a gentle 40min walk to a little bay. I was going to swim but the sea feels colder today, or maybe, I haven't got hot enough yet!! So, we are sitting enjoying the sun.....

We walked back to have a beer and some lunch then M went for a walk and I finished off my piece of lace and took it off the pillow .. Lacemakers among you will understand why I am a bit disappointed with it. On to the next project now!

Today,Tuesday we have left Elaine Bay and are making to the Kenepru Sound, currently we are sitting in the sun having a coffee etc in Havelock.