As we docked in Picton, we commented on the fact that it looks very much like an Alaskan fishing village! We could have been anywhere on the Alaskan Peninsula (even the temperature was a bit chilly at 59 degrees.) Thankfully, it warmed up as the day progressed! We arrived early and the ship would sail away on the tide at 2:00 pm, so a quick start was required in order to see the town in our customary, leisurely manner. We walked into town. As we made our way to High Street, we passed the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum. The Edwin Fox was a 19th century sailing ship. She is the ninth oldest ship in the world. Once restored, she will become a floating maritime museum. We walked through town, bought some wine, stopped for coffee and then headed over to the boat harbor where a market was selling craft items. A little more shopping, some picture taking, and it was time to head back to the ship. All-in-all, a very sedate day! Here are some photos:
On the sail-in to Picton, we commented on the fact that it looks a lot like an Alaskan fishing village in the Alaskan Peninsula!!We docked at Waitohi Wharf.The port area is congested with ferry service, freight and cargo service, rail service –all that service is chaotic, so we were told to “follow the blue line” which took us to a terminal of sorts.Our walk into town took us past the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum where the last surviving convict ship is under renovation. She ended her days in Picton as a mutton refrigeration vessel. She was beached in Shakespear Bay in 1967.She was re-floated in 1986 and dry docked in 1999. Today, the Edwin Fox is under renovation and the intent is to turn her into a floating maritime museum.Perhaps she will regain her former glory. She had been a mighty ship, sailing to more places in the world than any other merchant ship of the time. This drawing of the Edwin Fox, as she once looked, now hangs in the museum.We entered the city along the beach.There is a park built at the WWI Military Memorial arch.This is the town-side entry to the to the WWI Memorial Park.We were greeted by a local bandWe walked down High Street…..…..visited the Yacht Harbor…..…..walked up the pedestrian bridge…..…..to snap a photo of the MS Amsterdam!!!After shopping the market we made our way back to the ship for our 2:00 pm sail-away.And passed another musical group!We also trod in the footsteps of Capt. Cook!!!!Arrived back on the ship in time for the sail-away party.And, finally, the afternoon libation!!!!And so, we say goodbye to Picton…..…..make our way through the Marlborough Sound on our way to the Tasman Sea.“Tis a little melancholy. We really like New Zealand and we’re sorry the time here was so short.
Now, we will sail across the Tasman sea to Sydney.
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