What a wonderful way to close out our Social Climbers 2020 (disrupted) Calendar. Thanks to detailed planning Alex Rutherford pulled together a spectacular day in his favourite part of the Top of the South.
30 hardy social climbers arrived at Penzance in the heart of Tennyson Inlet after an "interesting" drive through some lovely native fores. Upon arrival our "chariot" awaited with Beryl mustering us all, fully briefed, on board their beautifully appointed tour boat "Blue Safari", with John Hebberd at the wheel.
We motored out of the Inlet via Tawhitinui Reach between Maude Island and the mainland to a drop off point near Rams Head, on the opposite side of the peninsula from Te Rawa Lodge and the historic Wilson Farm established in 1881. We then walked towards Tawero Point. The 6km walk slowly ascended the peninsula and dropped over into the top of the Pelorus Sound and round to the Lodge for lunch. Just short of our destination and a welcome beer/wine, we had a wonderfully informative guided tour of the Wilson Farm Woolshed "museum" to better understand the pioneer history of this place.
Pre ordered lunches arrived and were hungrily consumed by us all and the odd beer and wine helped digest the meal and recover from the walk.
After lunch, on the way back to Penzance, we visited the Gannet colony and enjoyed watching these majestic birds in their home environment (see pictures). We were blessed with the weather which as predicted deteriorated on the way back to Penzance. Alex and Louise hosted some of our number for tea and coffee to help survive the journey home.
A great day out and a wonderful way to close out our year. Thank you Alex and Louise and all those who grabbed the opportunty to enjoy the lovely Marlborough Sounds.