riverECHO

We joined back up with Gretchen and Brad two evenings ago and went out to Indian food . . . now the third time we’ve had Indian food since we’ve been in New Zealand. We just can’t seem to get enough. BJ has been working steadily for the last couple of days but I’ve been able to sneak out a couple of times for a short hike and a quick wine tour with Brad and Gretchen. The Nelson region is well known for their wineries. I’m not sure how well known it is but if you like Chardonnay, go try to find a 2006 Wimea. It got 5 stars, whatever that means but it was gooood.

We cooked mussels last night. They happened to be the cheapest item in the seafood section at the market. They weren’t as good as the ones we had on Thanksgiving, but the novelty of cooking them ourselves made them pretty tasty. Probably the most eventful moment we’ve had in the last few days was the 1st Annual National Duck Match. We didn’t realize we had such prime seating until the event started. We were minding our own business on our deck, just as the two resident ducks were minding their business in our meditation pond. In comes male duck number 2 to conquer the other. We couldn’t tell if he wanted his lady or wanted ownership of the pond. Whatever it was, all three ducks put up a good fight. We caught some video of the final round as male duck number 1 is biting his significant other on the neck while trying to drown male duck number 2. See the Duck Match for yourself although it is a little disturbing.