New Year 2011

Posted by Pete on 8 January 2011 | 0 Comments

New Year 2011

Time seems to have speeded up since Christmas. The high summer season is with us along with the New Year. And there are so many things to look forward to in 2011. The Rugby World Cup is the obvious big event for the whole country and we are anticipating the Russian team and supporters here in Blenheim. My wife studied Russian at school, so I’ve confidently nominated her as The River Queen chief interpreter for the duration of the World Cup. Just across the top of the South Island, in Nelson, the Americans and Italians are due to visit. It’ll be interesting to see how many pop out our way for a visit.

Other events on the horizon that catch the eye include the Classic Fighters Show at Easter which I think ties in with a Classic Car rally, and of course we have the Marlborough Wine Festival and the Grape Ride to look forward to.

But the highlight for me will be our River Queen overnight cruise. This is a first for us and will take people down to the Wairau Bar for a days fishing in the lagoons, followed by a sleep-over on board and a gentle trip back home the next day. We’re going to limit this first cruise to around a dozen people, just to test how it goes. I’ll let you know the verdict afterwards.

Finally a quick hello to the party brought on board by Georges Michel last weekend. The boat resounded to a full-throated version of La Marseillaise and it felt as though the Rugby World Cup had come early to Blenheim. The Kiwis on the boat replied with a haka and our anthem while a Aussies on board added a few verses of Waltzing Matilda. Loved it.

Have a great summer...

Pete