Leaving Nelson

Leaving Nelson wasn't easy. I have to go back...but I've been saying that about every place I've been to in New Zealand. But here I need to do the multi-day Great Taste Trail.

Nelson is a quiet town and it was the perfect place to slow down, have the best dinner so far in New Zealand and getting my nails done. Yes, I wanted to feel like a girl again because after so much walking, so many attempts at swimming and kayaking my nails were embarrasing. So yes, today was another lazy day. I've had quite a bit of those lately! I think the 6 hr drive truly drained me...

Before leaving Nelson I had to taste beer. The Nelson region is known for its hops, although they only make 1% of the entire hops world market, they are still important to the New Zealand economy. So after my nails no longer looked like claws, I decided to stop at the Founder's Brewery (not to be confused with Founders in Michigan). I bought myself a tasting tray and tasted six different beers. While tasting away in their hops garden I was greeted by a praying mantis, who hung out with me until all the beers had been enjoyed.