2026 January - February - Totaranui

Refreshing swim at Anapai

Cards and chocolates on a wet day

 We headed over to Totaranui mid-January to stay four nights in the Doc hut with Diana and Graeme. We took our Bus, Diana her motorhome and Graeme in the trusty Ute to sleep in the hut. It was nice on our arrival but sadly it rained all the next day and night. Forced relaxation. Between showers we managed a couple of walks around the camp which was pretty busy at this time of the year. With strong easterlies, the water taxies had fun getting their clients on and off the beach. There was plenty of Qwerkle and cards. 

A bit of excess water at Totaranui

At least the Ute was kept dry 😂

When we woke the next morning, we were a bit flooded in, but at least it was a sunny day. Graeme & Bill tried a bit of fishing, but no luck. Diana's American/Canadian friends turned up later in the day. More cards were played.

The next day was another beauty, so we all headed over the hill for a walk to Anapai and a swim. Except Graeme who looked after the fort. He made ceviche with the only fish caught - a gurnard, which went a long way in this dish. Our Bus fridge was playing up so we used the inside fridges, fruit and vegetables in the laundry fridge. Unfortunately, this fridge only ran on freezing - frozen fruit is quite delicious, especially grapes. The lettuce, not so good! More cards that night, with the Canadian cleaning us up.

Water Taxi's attempting to land

Our last day was beautiful as well, which last days tend to be. We said goodbye to Diana, Margaret & Bob, and took our time heading home. Called into Anatoki to catch some salmon. No luck, which we have never experienced there before😒. Happily, they sold wine and salmon pizza's!

Beautiful Totaranui

We got back to Nelson in time to celebrate Bill's birthday the next day.🥳 

Happy Birthday
Bill 🍻

Camping Totaranui with V&T

A week later we headed back over the hill to have 4 nights camping at Totaranui once again. Us in our bus, Gman in our tent, and Vicki & Trevor in their tent. 

Took Graeme's torpedo once again. Weather looking great 🤞

The Trusty Ute with the fishing gear & Fishermen

Plenty of swims, and fishing but not many fish 😞. But we had plenty of food with us, so it wasn't an issue. Plenty of time for reading. The camp was very crowded being Nelson Anniversary Day and before schools returned for the new school year.

Nibbles while waiting on the fish to come in.

Time to head back home and get the house organised to leave for Australia. Graeme to stay on at the house caretaking. 😊

The Boys trying to catch a salmon!

My activity was more relaxing 😉