Blenheim and another U3A encounter

Our U3A encounters have been such a pleasure. Here in Blenheim, Charles and Jan Riley presented us with afternoon tea in their garden on a perfect Summer's day. We were joined by Doug and Joyce Stafford, and Gavin and Elisabeth Kerr for great U3A exchanges. Their U3A is so much like SW Herts, with the ethos of self-help and shared learning in their study groups.

Apparently they have TWO wine appreciation groups, appropriate as we're now in the famous Marlborough wine-producing region. Many of you will have heard of Cloudy Bay - tomorrow we'll visit a variety of wineries and will regale you with stories (if we're still capable!). Stew is already planning a new study group, and our Blenheim U3A friends will be a welcome support - from afar, or even better if they come to our shores.

Pictured left to right: Doug & Joyce, Barb, Charles & Jan, Elizabeth & Gavin.

How did we get here? An easy drive today, due north - as much of our travel will be over the next two weeks - from Kaikoura to Blenheim. But another of those drives where you want to keep stopping to take pictures. The shining Pacific to our right, the colour of the Caribbean; constantly-changing mountains to our left. And for much of the time, not another car in sight.