April 24th, New Zealand Day 9

This day was spent entirely in Nelson and environs. The day started out somewhat chilly but warmed up considerably by lunchtime. Nelson receives more hours of sunshine than any other city in New Zealand and today was no exception. It was a good thing too because I went horseback riding this day. Most everyone else took the opportunity to visit the nearby Abel Tasman National Park, but to save money, I chose the riding option. I took some photos of the Abel Tasman and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I and another person from my tour were picked up from our hotel at about 09:00. We drove into town where we picked up another tourist and then drove out of Nelson to the stables. I think it was in Nelson that I had the best riding I have ever had. Using Australian stock saddles, English saddles with leg guards, the riding was very stable and comfortable even at higher speeds. Actually, the riding tends to smooth out when going from trot to canter, and then to gallop. While I didn't achieve a full gallop, I did end up going pretty fast. At the top of a mount, we dismounted and had a snack of biscuits and tea. I also got some great shots of the surrounding countryside and the Malborough Sounds.

After my riding, I asked to be dropped off in the city center to explore the area. Nelson's skyline is dominated by Christ Church Cathedral built on a hill overlooking the city. Originally, a fort stood there but it was demolished more than a century ago. The steeple is particularly interesting having been built in the style of the 1950s during a series of renovations for the cathedral. Nearby is "Jens Hansen Gold and Silversmith" who forged all of the rings used in The Lord of the Rings. He submitted several designs in the competition and the simple design won. The ring seen spinning in the prologue was about 20 centimeters in diameter. The writing that appears when the One Ring is placed in fire was digitally added and not part of any of the rings. Unfortunately Jens Hansen died before the release of the films but his son, Thorkild, continues the business and you can even buy some replica rings in gold. If you want to look him up, Thorkild Hansen is in the Nelson phonebook.

After wandering the city center for some time, I decided to walk back to the hotel. By foot, it is about a 45 minute walk but having been in Scouts and an avid walker, this was a piece of cake. The walk is a very pleasant one along the waterfront and I had some great views of the Abel Tasman just across the bay. After dinner I ran across the road and a park to the nearby beach and I managed to get a picture of the Abel Tasman just after sunset and I think it forms a pretty picture.

Photos are now available at: http://newzealandday9.blogspot.com/