Skry behind the wheel

We got word yesterday evening that the exemption had come through so I can supervise Skry as a learner, so our priority today was to get him some L-plates. With those securely stuck to the windows, he finally got a turn behind the wheel, and drove us along a very scenic route to Picton. It was an unexpectedly mountainous road in some parts, so he very quickly got a chance to try those sharp bends and steep hills that seem to be a common feature in New Zealand, but the car is easy to drive and the roads were good, so he had no trouble at all.

We reached Picton by early evening and checked ourselves into the Jugglers' Rest hostel. This cost us $32 for a night's camping, but it was well worth it to stay somewhere so friendly. With juggling equipment, poi sticks, hammocks, music, outdoor candles, organic veggies, and really pleasant staff, it was an excellent choice for us. We got our tent up (the ground was hard, but a mallet was provided) and headed into Picton to book ourselves onto the ferry to Wellington. This cost $190 one way for the two of us and the car, which is a lot of money but an unavoidable expense. After getting that sorted out, we headed to find some food. We ended up in an Indian restaurant, where I enjoyed the best Indian meal I've had since arriving in New Zealand, and a really gorgeous bottle of sauvignon blanc too. Returning to the hostel, we spent a while chilling out on the deck with some other tourists, and I fell asleep in the tent listening to one of them playing his guitar.