Across Cook Strait to the Green-Lipped Mussels

(A distraction for Susie from her studies.....yes, she is working diligently).....

Sunday was a very adventurous day....we took the Interislander Ferry boat to the South Island. For starters, we chose to walk to the Wellington Harbour where the ferry departs. We just didn't realize how far it was....so, we were really skipping along to make it on time! For a walking city, it wasn't exactly "pedestrian friendly". Although we had read how picturesque going through the Cook Strait would be, we weren't prepared for how stunning it really was. We tried to capture the colors and textures in picture, and at times came near success. The photos from this trip will be treasured forever!

Now to Picton, home of the Green-Lipped Mussels....Yummy! These were the biggest mussels ever! (They are supposed to be good for arthritis and a number of other afflictions!) Picton was the cutest town, with a small aquarium housing quite a few sea creatures....We came right at feeding time, and saw 6 month old sharks (about the size of your hand) eating fish. The sting ray was a messy eater with tiny teeth. Tried to take a few blurry but colorful pictures of the seahorses, which are very unique, as the male is the one who "gets pregnant" and carries the young. Very interesting!

Spent the rest of the day walking along the shore and visiting shops. As it came close to boarding time to go back to Wellington, a storm started brewing....The boat was jostling a bit but we didn't get seasick. We snuck outside to get a few photos but otherwise did alot of talking and people-watching on the trip back. The children on the boat must have run around for three hours, loving all the steps and tv rooms...they were quite entertaining!

When we arrived back in Wellington a shuttle took us to the railway station close-by to the Stafford House. It was definitely quicker than walking!