So after my run of shows in the Christchurch area I headed north on a
wonderful drive through the mountains up to Nelson.
I camped next to a
river and woke up to a wonderful view of mountain ranges and a
waterfall.
Then onwards I went to my first show. The last time I
played Nelson was two years ago and I really felt a good sense of
belonging to the place. A friendly town with a good sense of
positivity. My first show went by without much drama and then I headed
to Motueka where I played a further two shows. Then I had a few days
off and went further north to a town called Takaka. By this point I
had teamed up with a few other folks to travel with and so we all
camped together and did the tourist hikes together. It really was
great to be sharing the experiences as the road can sometimes be a
lonely place if you let it.
Next came a return to Nelson where I played a heap of shows with the
Sprig and Fern venues. A nice chain of pubs with great beers and all
independantly run. My favourite of these was in the centre of town
where I was allowed to play at a good volume and some folks who had
seen us before returned to watch my return to the area.
I’d also at this point like to say a huge thanks to Brian and Gillian
who were welcoming enough to house me during the Nelson leg of my
trip.
Following on from Nelson came a very twisting drive along the bay to
Picton. From here I played a further two shows on a Lodge only
accessible by boat. Whilst staying there I lived in a shack called
Crumpy’s Camp which had an outside bath.
That was a cool outside experience.
I also played one further show in Picton at ‘Le Cafe’
before I got the ferry to the North Island and once again played on a
boat.
That marked the end of an epic South Island run. Over 20 shows
and heaps of drama’s – But all worth it.
North Island here I come…:)
Stoo
