Peanut butter and rain

Rain had been predicted for our first day.  It was not raining when we loaded up the car but just as I was strapping the bikes on the carrier rather big drops began falling.  By the time we were on the road the heavens had decided to deluge us all including cyclists who were already on the bike trail next to the road.  The sensible ones were sheltering under some trees.

 At Cycle Journeys we had a briefing and they even included Rob in the orientation. He was going solo and not using their service.  They could not have been more helpful.  Soon we had our rain jackets on, rain covers on our panniers and tyres checked.  

About to depart the depot

We ventured out into the cold rain and fortunately the climb out of Nelson warmed us up.  As we got to the top of the short ride the rain eased and by the time we reached the railway trail it had ceased.  Our first stop was t Pics Peanut Butter World.  This had been recommended by Cycle Journeys and it turned out to be a rather interesting place.  The main reason for going there was for the coffee, but we walked out with a book about the story of the creator's life and some peanut butter products.

Browsing eanut butter products

Just as we left there were some more spits of rain but fortunately it didn't come to anything.  The trail from there to Brightwater is mostly flat and I didn't even need the electricity available.  Along the way there were some apples in a wayside stall with an honesty box.  They were a variety we had not heard of before called Breeze and proved to be very tasty.  

Swing bridge over the Waimea River

We got to Brightwater a little later than anticipated as we kept stopping to look at things and take the odd photo.  We had a booked lunch and the lovely people had kept the kitchen open. We possibly disappointed them as we didn't order some of the hot dishes preferring food from the cabinet.  I can see why tourists find New Zealanders friendly and polite as the service we have received so far has been excellent and in general people have regularly engaged with us.  

Still standing after all those years

There is a memorial to Lord Rutherford of Nelson.  It is rather well done as it seems they are very proud of the local boy who has done well.  He went to Nelson College, the boarding school I attended for my secondary school years. He is also feted there.  Another connection is that his family moved to Pungarehu where they farmed.  My mother grew up on a dairy farm there although I suspect the Rutherfords would have well and truly moved on by the time she was born.  

Statue of little Ernest Rutherford

It started raining as we left Brightwater so we were delighted to get to our accommodation at  Snowball Manor in Wakefield.  We were in Wakefield four years ago doing the same ride but in an anticlockwise direction. 

We had dinner at the local Wakefield Hotel.  The pub was full of people and the publican seemed a little overwhelmed by an unexpected crowd of oldies from Stoke who had turned up. It turned out that the event they were going to attend was cancelled at the last minute.  Apparently the speaker did not turn up and had not notified anyone so they decided to eat out at the pub instead.  

Our day ended with a walk back in almost complete darkness to Snowball Manner.  For both of us sleep came very easily.